Summary

In Chapter 4, the novel shifts back in time. Tommy Gogan, originally from Ireland, emigrates to Toronto after a stint in the Royal Navy where he works as a bricklayer before moving to New York with his brothers, Rye and Peter. There, they take to music. They begin writing, recording, and performing as The Gogan Boys. But when Tommy begins getting involved in the Communist movement and civil rights, Rye and Peter become upset, because no blacks have ever come to their shows and because Communists do not pay to hear music. In February 1960, Tommy meets Miriam at the home of mutual acquaintances and friends. He brings her to his apartment to play music for her, including civil rights ballads. Miriam is impressed, while Tommy likes her free-spirited nature. They interview black men and those who have suffered and name songs they...