Chapter 6

Elizabeth’s heartfelt letter reaches Victor, offering news from home and a tender account of Justine Moritz’s troubled past and return to their family, along with cheerful notes about Ernest and little William. Comforted, Victor writes back and gradually regains health. Yet visits to his former professors reopen his trauma, and Henry shields him from painful reminders of science. Turning to oriental languages alongside Henry brings solace. Delays keep Victor from returning to Geneva until spring; before departing, he and Henry take a restorative walking tour, ending in scenes of simple, communal joy.