Summary

Chapter Two weaves back and forth between letters exchanged between James and Margaret and Margaret’s observation of the mundanity of her surrounding home and children. On one hand, the letters between James and her are electrifying in their passion for literature. The two have an instant, and informal, connection when it comes to religion, philosophy, and literature. Readers learn that the two “met” when Maggie decided to write James a letter after being moved by a piece of his work. James replied and the two started writing regular letters back and forth. They discussed their own work and influential works of others. Maggie even sent him a poem of hers, which she was glad to receive feedback on. She noted how nice it is to be able to talk to someone about God who takes the subject matter seriously.

However, between the...