Book 3: The Shoemaker and His Elves, Chapters 1-4 Summary

In Chapter 1, Bootleg, Frances is eleven years old and Lily is nearly six. Frances concocts a story for Lily about James making whiskey in the shed along with the boots. Mercedes is twelve years old and takes care of the family, doing the cooking and grocery shopping. She enjoys reading books and spending time with her best friend, Helen Frye.

In Chapter 2, The Demon Rum, James becomes a bootlegger. He works late at night, locking his children in the house and driving off to meet the boats carrying barrels of liquor. The town of Cape Breton has been struggling since the Great War, with several coal strikes taking place over the course of three years. James is a skilled bootlegger and only sells to those who can afford to...