Everything Is Illuminated Chapter 20 Summary

How It All Goes Down

The Dupe of Chance, 1941-1924

  • While having sex with his soon-to-be-bride's sister, Safran wonders if this is fate. This is where he's supposed to be, right?
  • He was born with teeth, and that made it difficult for his mother to nurse him, so she didn't, so he was malnourished and his right arm grew deformed as a result.
  • Safran might as well be LLLameA (ladies love lame arm) because his shriveled arm makes him attractive to, like, every woman ever.
  • His first mistress is a widow, Rose W, who sleeps with him when he's ten. She'll be the first of many. 132 to be exact. (What is this, Love in the Time of World War II?)