Summary

In Part Six, Chapter 50, “Hazards in the Hills, 1950, Gwendolyn Gardens,” 14 years after acquiring Müller’s estate, Digby and Cromwell have established the consortium, which Digby “named Gwendolyn Gardens after his mother” (407). Although pleased with their success, Digby “underestimated the loneliness” of the work (407). Monsoon season aggravates their isolation.

Then one day, a woman named Lizzi appears at the Gardens. Her baby’s hand is protruding from “her pregnant belly” (411). Digby saves Lizzi’s and the baby’s lives. He assures her the baby is as strong as Lenin. She promises to name him Lenin Evermore.

In Chapter 51, “The Willingness to Be Wounded, 1950, Parambil,” in the six months since Ninan’s death, Elsie has been “gone from Parambil” (416). Attributing Baby Mol’s heartbreak to Elsie’s absence, Big Ammachi writes to her, begging for her to return.

Finally one day Elsie returns. Philipose...