Peter Van Houten's Fate: Grief and Redemption

The reclusive author, haunted by his daughter's death, descends into alcoholism but makes a belated attempt at redemption through Augustus's letter.

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The Drunk Author

The Drunk Author The Meeting Peter Van Houten is drunk and rude when Hazel and Augustus visit. He refuses to answer their questions. The Insults He calls Hazel a side effect of evolution. He says her existence depends on pity. He is cruel. The Confrontation Hazel smacks the glass out of his hand. They leave. Van Houten is left alone with his alcohol.

The Backstory

The Backstory The Daughter Van Houten's daughter died of leukemia at age eight. He wrote An Imperial Affliction based on her experience. The Grief He never recovered. He became an alcoholic. He moved to Amsterdam to escape. He stopped writing. The Connection Hazel reminds him of his daughter. He sees her as Anna. This is why he is so cruel—he cannot face the pain.

The Funeral Appearance

The Funeral Appearance The Drunk Arrival Van Houten shows up at Augustus's funeral, drunk and wearing a white linen suit. He tries to give Hazel a cryptic answer. The Dismissal Hazel dismisses him. She tells him he is a pathetic alcoholic. He leaves. The Letter Later, Van Houten receives Augustus's letter. He reads it and tells Lidewij to send it to Hazel. He has nothing to add.

A Glimmer of Redemption

A Glimmer of Redemption The Letter Van Houten sends Augustus's letter to Hazel. He does not add anything. He simply passes it on. The Impact Hazel reads the letter and finds closure. Van Houten, by facilitating this, plays a small role in her healing. The Future Van Houten remains an alcoholic, but he has done one good thing. Hazel hopes he will write again, but she doubts it.

During the Amsterdam visit

Revealed after the funeral

At Augustus's funeral

After the funeral, when he sends the letter