Chapter 2 Summary

In 1884, Hermann and Pauline Einstein discuss the whereabouts of their son, Albert, with the governess and his sister Maja. He doesn't play with the other boys and likes to walk in the garden.

When Albert returns, Hermann scolds him for being late again. Hermann holds up his watch to demonstrate how late he is. The toy compass charm on his father's watch chain catches Albert's attention.

Hermann explains that, although a charm, it is as accurate a compass as larger ones used to guide ships. Why, the young Einstein asks, does the needle always point north? Einstein's questions persist after dinner. He follows his father into the parlor where old family portraits hang on the walls. When his parents tire of Albert's questions and insist he go to bed, the boy declares he'd sleep better if the compass were beside him.

When his...