Chapters 1-5 Summary

Before chapter one, a series of letters that span the two years since Rebecca Bloomwood graduated from Bristol University are presented to the reader. The letters are from Endwich Bank. The first extends overdraft protection for two years. The following two letters, dated two years later, remind Rebecca that her overdraft protection is coming to an end and express sadness at Rebecca's broken leg, asking her to contact the bank when she is recovered.

In chapter one the reader is introduced to Rebecca Bloomwood. Becky sits at her desk, unwilling to open her Visa bill. Becky mentally goes over her purchases and calculates her bill, figuring she will owe about three pounds. Under the watchful eye of her co-worker, Clare Edwards, Becky opens the bill to discover that she has spent over nine pounds. Becky reads the bill, trying to remember...