Summary

Part One opens with a short introduction by an unnamed narrator talking directly to the reader. They encourage the reader to listen to the story of Ziva bat Leah, a girl who did two impossible things. To get there, though, the narrator starts on Ziva’s 12th birthday.

Chapter One transitions to a third person perspective as Ziva listens to her sick brother’s labored breathing. This spring, Uncle Sabriel - a doctor in Samkarsh- had Pesah moved into his own private building out of concerns that he would spread his leprosy. Ziva, however, does not believe this, as she has been sleeping near her twin for two years and has yet to fall ill. Furthermore, she feels that she is the only one who cares for him properly and refuses to leave him to the whims of the servants.

After...