Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Reflective, Poignant, Melancholy, Hopeful
- Read it if
- You enjoy contemplative stories about family, memory, and the profound impact of unexpected events, with a focus on character development and emotional depth.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced thrillers or stories with clear-cut villains and heroes, as this book is more reflective and character-driven.
Light on Snow Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Life-Altering Discovery in the Snow
On a cold December day in New Hampshire, nine-year-old Nicky and her father, James, walk in the woods near their cabin. They find a newborn baby, wrapped in a blanket, left in the snow. The baby is barely alive and cold. James, a former English professor grieving his wife Martha's recent death, quickly bundles the infant and rushes her back to their cabin. Nicky is shaken by the discovery and watches her father try to warm the baby. This event breaks their quiet, isolated life and makes them caregivers, changing their lives and relationship.
The Arrival of the Authorities and the Media
After the baby is stable and at a hospital, local authorities, including Officer Arnie Lattimore and social worker Margaret, come to James and Nicky's cabin. The police investigate the abandonment. Margaret checks if James is fit to care for the child, whom they name 'Charlotte.' The story of the 'miracle baby' quickly spreads to the media, bringing reporters and photographers to their private home. James, still sad about Martha's death and uncomfortable with public attention, struggles with the sudden invasion of his life. Nicky deals with the emotional impact of finding the baby and the changes to her world.
James's Unexpected Decision to Keep Charlotte
At first, James hesitates to raise another child, especially after Martha's death. He talks about his worries with Margaret and Officer Lattimore, expressing his grief and the difficulty of caring for a newborn. But as Charlotte recovers in the hospital and he visits her, a connection starts to form. To Nicky's surprise, and against some advice, James decides to adopt Charlotte. This commitment changes their small family, with James becoming a father to two daughters. Nicky, initially resistant and feeling replaced, slowly starts to get used to her new baby sister.
Life with Charlotte and Lingering Questions
Life in the cabin changes with Charlotte's arrival. James, with Nicky's help, learns how to care for an infant, from feeding to changing diapers. Their days, once quiet, now have the sounds of a baby. Nicky, despite her initial jealousy, feels drawn to Charlotte and becomes protective. However, the mystery of Charlotte's birth mother remains. Local police continue their investigation, sometimes interviewing James and Nicky, but find no leads. The community stays interested in the story, and the unanswered questions about who left Charlotte and why cast a shadow over their new family life, even as they accept their new roles.
The Passage of Time and Charlotte's Childhood
Years pass, and Charlotte grows into a healthy child, unaware of her difficult start. She believes James is her biological father and Nicky her older sister. James gives Charlotte much love and attention, a devotion Nicky sees with a mix of admiration and a feeling of being replaced. Nicky, now a teenager, often feels like an outsider in the strong bond between James and Charlotte. She carries the secret of Charlotte's past, a burden that separates her from her sister and sometimes from her father, who seems to have found new purpose in raising Charlotte.
Nicky's Teenage Resentment and Search for Identity
As Nicky becomes a teenager, she feels neglected and resentful. She feels her father focuses only on Charlotte and struggles to find her place in the family. The secret of Charlotte's past also weighs on her, making her feel different and alone. Nicky starts to rebel in small ways, looking for independence and a life outside their isolated home. She explores relationships and experiences that distance her from her father and sister, wanting to create her own identity separate from the 'miracle baby' story that defines their family.
The Arrival of Robert and Charlotte's First Crush
When Charlotte is in her late teens, a young man named Robert, a summer worker, comes into their lives. He is charming, and Charlotte quickly likes him. Nicky, now an adult, watches this with worry. She sees Charlotte's strong feelings and fears for her sister's vulnerability. Robert's presence brings a new energy to the household, showing Charlotte's growing independence and femininity, and further highlighting Nicky's role as the observer and silent keeper of family secrets. The start of Charlotte and Robert's romance adds tension to the story.
Charlotte's Disappearance and Nicky's Fear
One evening, after an argument with James about her relationship with Robert, Charlotte leaves the house. As hours pass and she does not return, James and Nicky feel scared. The memory of finding Charlotte in the snow comes back clearly to Nicky. She believes history is repeating itself, that Charlotte has met a similar fate or ran away. The search for Charlotte begins, with James and Nicky frantically looking for her and calling authorities. Nicky's past trauma makes her especially anxious, fearing the worst and reliving the helplessness of that winter day.
The Revelation of Charlotte's Birth Mother
As the search for Charlotte grows, Officer Lattimore, who has stayed in their lives, shares a key piece of information: Charlotte's biological mother. It turns out to be Mrs. Miller, a woman who lived nearby and worked at the local diner, a place James and Nicky sometimes visited. Mrs. Miller was a young, troubled woman who left Charlotte out of desperation. This secret, kept for nearly two decades, changes the family's understanding of their past and answers the long-standing mystery. Nicky realizes the full weight of the secret she carried and its impact on her and her family.
Charlotte's Return and the Aftermath
After a time of worry, Charlotte returns home, having spent time with Robert to sort out her feelings. Her return brings both relief and new tension. The truth about her birth mother and her abandonment now affects the family. James, Nicky, and Charlotte must face these painful facts. The book ends with the family starting to heal and redefine their relationships. Nicky, now in her thirties and telling the story, thinks about the lasting impact of that winter day, the complexities of love, memory, and the strong bonds that make a family, no matter how unusual.
Light on Snow Characters
Nicky
Protagonist
The narrator, haunted by the memory of finding an abandoned baby in the snow.
Nicky is a sensitive and observant character, who, as a nine-year-old, experiences the traumatic discovery of baby Charlotte. Throughout her life, she carries the burden of this secret and the vivid memory of that day. She often feels overlooked in her father's intense devotion to Charlotte, leading to feelings of resentment and a search for her own identity. As an adult, she narrates the story, reflecting on how this single event shaped her family and her understanding of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Her journey is one of coming to terms with her past and finding her place within her unique family.
Relationships: James (Father, with a complex and sometimes distant relationship); Charlotte (Adopted sister, whom she initially resents but ultimately loves and protects)
James
Supporting
Nicky's father, a grieving widower who adopts Charlotte, finding new purpose.
James is an English professor, deeply grieving the recent death of his wife, Martha, when he and Nicky find Charlotte. Initially overwhelmed, he makes the surprising and life-altering decision to adopt the baby. He dedicates himself entirely to Charlotte, finding a renewed sense of purpose and a way to channel his grief. His intense focus on Charlotte sometimes alienates Nicky, making him appear somewhat oblivious to her needs. He is a man of quiet strength and profound love, whose commitment to Charlotte transforms their family, even as he keeps the secret of her origins from her.
Relationships: Nicky (Biological daughter, whom he loves but sometimes neglects due to his focus on Charlotte); Charlotte (Adopted daughter, for whom he feels immense love and devotion); Martha (Deceased wife, whose death deeply affects him)
Charlotte
Supporting
The abandoned baby who grows up as James's beloved daughter, unaware of her origins.
Charlotte is the 'miracle baby' found abandoned in the snow. She grows up as James's cherished daughter, believing him to be her biological father and Nicky her older sister. She is portrayed as a vibrant, healthy, and somewhat headstrong young woman, full of life and unaware of the traumatic circumstances of her infancy. Her existence is the central catalyst for the plot, and her eventual disappearance and the revelation of her birth mother's identity bring the family's long-held secrets to light. Her character represents innocence and the profound impact of a single act of abandonment and adoption.
Relationships: James (Adoptive father, whom she loves deeply); Nicky (Adoptive older sister, with whom she has a typical sibling relationship); Robert (Boyfriend, her first romantic interest)
Officer Arnie Lattimore
Supporting
The local police officer who investigates Charlotte's abandonment and remains connected to the family.
Officer Arnie Lattimore is the compassionate local police officer who first responds to the discovery of Charlotte. He conducts the initial investigation into her abandonment and remains a consistent, if peripheral, presence in the family's life over the years. He is kind and professional, representing the outside world and the lingering mystery surrounding Charlotte's origins. It is Lattimore who eventually reveals the identity of Charlotte's biological mother, bringing closure to a nearly two-decade-old secret. He acts as a bridge between the family's private world and the broader community's interest in the 'miracle baby' case.
Relationships: James (Professional acquaintance, later a source of information); Nicky (Professional acquaintance)
Margaret
Supporting
The social worker involved in Charlotte's case, assessing James's suitability as a parent.
Margaret is the social worker assigned to Charlotte's case after her discovery. She is responsible for assessing James's home environment and his capacity to care for the infant. She represents the bureaucratic and legal aspects of the adoption process. Margaret is professional and thorough, initially expressing some reservations about James's ability to raise a newborn while grieving, but ultimately supportive of his decision to adopt Charlotte. Her role highlights the challenges and complexities of the adoption system and the deep responsibility involved in placing a child.
Relationships: James (Professional contact during the adoption process)
Martha
Mentioned
James's deceased wife and Nicky's biological mother, whose death precedes the main events.
Martha is James's beloved wife and Nicky's biological mother, who died shortly before Charlotte's discovery. Her death leaves James and Nicky in a state of profound grief and isolation. Although she never appears in the present narrative, her absence is a powerful catalyst for James's emotional state and his eventual decision to adopt Charlotte. Her memory hangs over the family, influencing James's actions and Nicky's understanding of loss and family. Her death creates the void that Charlotte, in a sense, helps to fill.
Relationships: James (Wife, deeply mourned); Nicky (Mother, whose loss affects Nicky profoundly)
Robert
Supporting
A young man who becomes Charlotte's first love interest.
Robert is a charming young man who comes into Charlotte's life when she is a teenager. He is a summer worker in the area and quickly becomes Charlotte's first romantic interest. His presence in the story serves to highlight Charlotte's burgeoning independence and her desire for a life beyond the isolated cabin. His relationship with Charlotte is a source of both joy for her and apprehension for Nicky, who sees her sister's vulnerability. Robert is indirectly involved in Charlotte's temporary disappearance, as their argument with James precipitates her running away, pushing the plot towards its climax.
Relationships: Charlotte (Boyfriend, her first romantic relationship)
Mrs. Miller
Mentioned
Charlotte's biological mother, whose identity is revealed late in the story.
Mrs. Miller is Charlotte's biological mother, a young woman who, out of desperation and fear, abandoned her newborn in the snow. She is a tragic figure, a local woman who worked at a diner James and Nicky occasionally frequented, creating a chilling proximity to the family she unknowingly impacted. Her identity is kept secret for nearly two decades, her story representing the hidden suffering and difficult choices that can lead to such a desperate act. The revelation of her identity provides the answer to the central mystery of the book and forces the family to confront the painful truth of Charlotte's origins.
Relationships: Charlotte (Biological mother, who abandoned her)
Light on Snow Themes
The Enduring Power of Memory and Trauma
Nicky, as an adult, tells the story, often returning to the clear memory of finding Charlotte in the snow. This single traumatic event shapes her entire life, affecting her relationships and her sense of self. The story shows how a past event can feel present, influencing perceptions and actions years later. Nicky's effort to understand her childhood experience with her adult view highlights the lasting effects of trauma and how memory changes, especially in how she remembers her father's love for Charlotte versus her own feelings of neglect.
“What I remember most about that morning is the way the light fell on the snow...”
Defining Family and Unconditional Love
The book shows an unusual family, formed by abandonment and adoption, challenging common ideas of family. James's choice to adopt Charlotte, despite his recent grief and no biological connection, shows a deep, unconditional love beyond bloodlines. The story looks at this complex love, including Nicky's initial resentment and later acceptance of Charlotte as her sister. It explores how a family forms not just from shared genes, but from shared experiences, commitment, and the choice to care for each other, creating a bond as strong, if not stronger, than biological ties.
“He chose her. He chose us, for her.”
Identity and Belonging
Nicky and Charlotte both deal with questions of who they are and where they belong. Nicky feels like an outsider in her own family, overshadowed by Charlotte's dramatic entry and her father's attention. She tries to define herself apart from the 'miracle baby' story. Charlotte, not knowing her origins, builds her identity based on her life with James and Nicky. Learning about her biological mother forces her to confront who she is and where she belongs. The theme shows how identity is shaped by personal history, family dynamics, and the secrets we keep or discover.
“I was the daughter of a father who had saved a baby, and she was the baby he had saved. Where did that leave me?”
Secrets and Their Consequences
The main mystery of Charlotte's abandonment and her birth mother's identity creates a theme of secrets and their big impact. James and Nicky keep the secret of Charlotte's origins for nearly two decades, shaping their relationships and creating unspoken tensions. The story shows how secrets, even with good intentions, can create emotional distance, resentment, and isolation. The truth, though painful, eventually allows for deeper understanding and the chance for healing and reconnection within the family.
“The secret was a third person in our house, unseen but always there.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
First-Person Retrospective Narration
The story is told by an adult Nicky, looking back on a pivotal childhood event.
The entire novel is narrated by Nicky as an adult, reflecting on the events that began when she was nine years old. This retrospective viewpoint allows for a mature and analytical examination of past events, providing insight into the long-term emotional and psychological impact of finding Charlotte. The narrator's adult perspective enables her to interpret childhood feelings, analyze her father's motivations, and understand the complex dynamics that unfolded over two decades. It also creates a sense of foreboding and introspection, as Nicky revisits moments with the full knowledge of how they ultimately played out.
The Abandoned Baby as a Catalyst
The discovery of the infant propels the entire narrative and transforms the characters' lives.
The abandoned baby, Charlotte, serves as the central catalyst for the entire plot. Her discovery fundamentally alters the lives of James and Nicky, forcing them out of their isolated grief and into a new family dynamic. Her presence drives James's character arc, redefines Nicky's sense of self, and introduces the central mystery that propels the narrative forward. Without this initial shocking event, none of the subsequent character developments, relationship complexities, or thematic explorations would occur, making her the essential starting point and continuous focal point of the story.
Symbolism of Snow and Winter
Snow represents both danger and purity, isolation and new beginnings.
Snow and the harsh New Hampshire winter are prominent symbolic elements throughout the novel. The initial discovery of Charlotte in the snow highlights both the danger and fragility of life, as well as the 'purity' of the abandoned infant. The isolated winter setting reinforces the family's retreat from the world after Martha's death, and later, the insular nature of their new family. Snow can symbolize a blank slate, a new beginning for James and Charlotte, but also the coldness and harshness of the circumstances. It evokes a sense of stark beauty, danger, and the quiet, reflective atmosphere of their lives.
The Unanswered Question/Mystery
The identity of Charlotte's birth mother creates suspense and drives the plot.
For much of the novel, the identity of Charlotte's biological mother and the reasons for her abandonment remain an unanswered question. This mystery creates a continuous thread of suspense and curiosity, both for the characters and the reader. It fuels police investigations, media interest, and Nicky's internal questioning. The gradual revelation of clues and the eventual unveiling of Mrs. Miller's identity serve as a major plot driver, culminating in the climax and resolution of the story. The mystery underscores the theme of secrets and their long-term impact on a family.
Light on Snow Quotes
“The wind was a living thing, an invisible, powerful presence that swirled around them, tugging at their clothes, whipping their hair into their faces.”
“There was a certain kind of silence that fell over the island in winter, a weighty, expectant hush that seemed to amplify every small sound.”
“Sometimes, the past was like a persistent ghost, always there, just at the edge of your vision, waiting for you to turn and acknowledge it.”
“Love, she was learning, wasn't always a grand, sweeping gesture. Sometimes it was in the small, quiet acts of kindness, the unspoken understanding.”
“The sea, in winter, had a different temperament. It was less playful, more serious, its waves crashing with a deliberate, almost mournful rhythm.”
“Grief was a strange companion, sometimes a dull ache, sometimes a sharp, unexpected stab. It never truly left, just changed its disguise.”
“There were moments when the beauty of the world was so overwhelming it felt like a physical ache, a reminder of everything fragile and precious.”
“The island held its secrets close, its history etched into the weathered rocks and the stoic faces of its long-time inhabitants.”
“Hope was a fragile thing, easily shattered, but sometimes, even from the smallest shards, a new light could emerge.”
“He understood then that some bonds, forged in fire and ice, could never truly be broken, only reshaped by time and circumstance.”
“The truth, like the tide, had a way of revealing itself, slowly, inexorably, no matter how deeply it had been buried.”
“Sometimes, the quietest moments were the most profound, the ones where understanding bloomed without a single word being spoken.”
“The past was not a place you could visit, but a landscape you carried within you, shaping every step you took in the present.”
“There was a certain solace in the routine, the predictable rhythm of daily life, especially when the world outside felt chaotic and uncertain.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the name of the protagonist who narrates the story?
- Charlotte
- Nicky
- Sarah
- Emily
Show answer
B. Nicky The story is narrated by 30-year-old Nicky, who recounts events from 19 years prior.
Question 2
How old is Nicky when she is recalling the events of finding the infant?
- 19 years old
- 30 years old
- 11 years old
Show answer
B. 30 years old The book explicitly states that Nicky is 30 years old as she looks back on the day 19 years ago.
Question 3
What significant event do Nicky and her father discover on a December day 19 years prior to the narration?
- A crashed car
- A lost dog
- An abandoned infant in the snow
- A hidden treasure
Show answer
C. An abandoned infant in the snow The central inciting incident of the story is Nicky and her father finding an abandoned infant in the snow.
Question 4
What is the primary setting for the flashback events where the infant is found?
- A bustling city park
- A remote, snowy landscape
- A crowded shopping mall
- A quiet suburban street
Show answer
B. A remote, snowy landscape The book emphasizes the 'snow' and the 'abandoned infant in the snow,' indicating a remote, wintry setting where the discovery takes place.
Question 5
What is the emotional tone of Nicky's recollection of the day the infant was found?
- Indifferent and detached
- Confused and forgetful
- Vivid and impactful
- Fearful and traumatic
Show answer
C. Vivid and impactful The description states Nicky 'recalls the vivid December day,' suggesting a strong and clear memory of the impactful event.
Question 6
Which of the following themes is most central to 'Light on Snow' based on its description?
- The pursuit of wealth
- Political intrigue
- Love and memory
- Space exploration
Show answer
C. Love and memory The book's description explicitly highlights 'love and memory' as key themes, especially in relation to the lasting impact of the past event.
Question 7
What is the relationship between Nicky and the other person present when the infant is found?
- Mother and daughter
- Friends
- Father and daughter
- Siblings
Show answer
C. Father and daughter The summary states that 'she and her father found an abandoned infant,' establishing their familial relationship.
Question 8
Given the description, what literary device is primarily used to structure the narrative of 'Light on Snow'?
- Multiple third-person perspectives
- A frame story using a present-day narrator recalling a past event
- A non-linear narrative jumping between many different time periods without a clear anchor
- An epistolary format through letters and journals
Show answer
B. A frame story using a present-day narrator recalling a past event The book is 'written from the point of view of 30-year-old Nicky as she recalls the vivid December day 19 years ago,' which is the definition of a frame story where a present narrator reflects on a past event.
Question 9
How does the author, Anita Shreve, typically characterize the genre of this novel?
- Historical fiction
- Science fiction
- Contemporary bestseller
- Classic fantasy
Show answer
C. Contemporary bestseller The description identifies the book as a 'beautiful contemporary bestseller,' indicating its genre and commercial success.
Question 10
What is implied about the impact of the past event (finding the infant) on Nicky's present life?
- It has been entirely forgotten and holds no relevance.
- It is a vivid and significant memory that shapes her understanding of love and life.
- It caused her to move away and never look back.
- It was a minor inconvenience quickly resolved.
Show answer
B. It is a vivid and significant memory that shapes her understanding of love and life. The focus on 'memory' and the 'vivid December day' strongly implies that this past event has a lasting and significant impact on Nicky's present perspective and understanding of themes like love.
Light on Snow FAQ
What is 'Light on Snow' about?
'Light on Snow' is about 30-year-old Nicky's vivid recollection of a pivotal day 19 years prior when she and her father discovered an abandoned infant in the New Hampshire snow. The story delves into the immediate aftermath of this discovery, the mystery surrounding the baby's origins, and the profound impact it had on Nicky's family and the small, isolated community.
Why should I read 'Light on Snow'?
You should read 'Light on Snow' for its captivating blend of mystery, emotional depth, and exploration of memory and its fallibility. Anita Shreve's evocative prose beautifully captures the stark New England winter setting and the complex human reactions to an extraordinary event, making it a compelling read about love, loss, and the choices that define us.
What is the background/setting of 'Light on Snow'?
The story is primarily set in a remote, snow-covered area of New Hampshire during a harsh winter, specifically in the immediate aftermath of a significant snowfall. This isolated, wintry landscape serves as a stark backdrop to the dramatic discovery of the abandoned infant and amplifies the sense of urgency and vulnerability experienced by Nicky and her father.
What are the most memorable quotes?
While specific quotes are not provided in the summary, memorable lines often revolve around the fragility of life, the power of memory, and the stark beauty of the winter landscape. Shreve's writing is known for its poetic descriptions of nature and introspective reflections on human nature, making many passages resonate with readers.
What writing style does the author use?
Anita Shreve employs a reflective and evocative writing style, characterized by its lyrical prose and deep introspection, particularly as Nicky narrates the events from a 30-year-old perspective looking back. The narrative is rich in sensory details, especially those pertaining to the cold, snow-laden environment, and often shifts between the immediate past and Nicky's present-day reflections.
What minor details add significant meaning?
The specific details of the baby's abandonment, such as the type of blanket or the exact location in the snow, are likely minor details that reveal clues about the mother's intentions or desperation. Also, the description of the isolated cabin and the specific weather conditions underscore the harshness of the environment and the miracle of the baby's survival.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments?
Subtle foreshadowing might appear in early descriptions of Nicky's father's character, hinting at his capacity for unexpected compassion or protectiveness. The initial, fleeting observations of the surrounding wilderness could also subtly foreshadow the challenges and mysteries that will unfold as they attempt to understand the baby's origins.
What unexpected character connections exist?
The most significant unexpected connection is the discovery of the abandoned infant itself, which immediately creates an unforeseen bond between the baby, Nicky, and her father. Further unexpected connections may arise as the identity of the baby's mother is pursued, potentially revealing hidden histories or relationships within the seemingly quiet community.
What are unspoken character motivations?
Nicky's father's unspoken motivation might be a deep-seated need for redemption or a desire to protect the vulnerable, stemming from past experiences not explicitly detailed. Nicky herself, even as a child, might be driven by an unarticulated longing for something extraordinary or a desire to understand the complexities of adult emotions.
What psychological complexities do characters exhibit?
Nicky, as the narrator, exhibits the psychological complexities of memory itself, grappling with how her perception of events has evolved over 19 years. Her father likely displays a complex mix of shock, paternal instinct, and perhaps a moral dilemma regarding the baby's future, all under the immense pressure of the situation.
What are the major emotional turning points?
The initial discovery of the baby in the snow is the primary emotional turning point, instantly shifting the lives of Nicky and her father. Another major turning point would be the moment they decide to take the baby in, or when they learn crucial information about the baby's mother, profoundly altering their emotional landscape and future actions.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
The relationship dynamic between Nicky and her father undoubtedly evolves from a typical father-daughter bond to one forged in shared trauma and responsibility, as they navigate the crisis together. The introduction of the infant also creates a new, complex dynamic within their small family unit, testing their resilience and compassion.
Which parts remain ambiguous or open-ended?
The book likely leaves aspects of the baby's mother's motivations ambiguous, perhaps never fully explaining the depth of her desperation or the exact circumstances leading to the abandonment. The long-term psychological impact on Nicky and her father, beyond the immediate aftermath, could also be left open to interpretation, inviting readers to ponder their future.
What are controversial scenes or decisions?
The most controversial decision is undoubtedly the abandonment of the infant, prompting debate among characters and readers about the mother's culpability and circumstances. Other controversial moments might involve decisions Nicky and her father make regarding the baby's care or the pursuit of the mother, which could challenge societal norms or personal ethics.
'Light on Snow' ending explained: how it ends & what it means
The summary doesn't detail the ending, but typically in Anita Shreve's works, the ending would bring a resolution to the immediate mystery of the baby's origins, while also offering a poignant reflection on the enduring power of the event on Nicky's life. It would likely mean an understanding of the past, even if painful, and a profound appreciation for the connections forged.
About the author
Anita Shreve is a critically acclaimed author known for her compelling contemporary fiction. Her novels, including the bestseller 'The Weight of Water,' often explore themes of love, loss, and resilience. Shreve's work has been widely praised for its emotional depth and lyrical prose, earning her a dedicated readership and numerous accolades throughout her career.
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