Book I, The Gradual Instant Summary

Jakob's Greek-English translations support him nicely. He prepares Athos's writings for publication, translates Bearing False Witness into Greek, and sometimes lectures on Athos's work. When in Toronto, he stays with the Salmans and they stay with him when in Greece. Jakob loves the Salmans' sons, Yoshi and Tomas, as he would have loved Bella's children. The Salmans play matchmaker for Jakob, and one day in their kitchen he meets young Michaela, a voluptuous museum administrator. He tells her the story of Tomas's premature birth and miraculous survival and she talks enthusiastically of her Russian/Spanish heritage. Jakob feels old and unattractive beside her but cannot resist. She lets his hands wander over her. There is nothing of death in her. Hearing about Bella, Michaela weeps for her and Jakob is filled with joy. He sleeps...