Summary

In Part 1, Chapter 1, 32-year-old Peter Koubek studies his 22-year-old brother Ivan Koubek at their father’s funeral. Ivan is smart but Peter finds his personality and appearance distasteful, particularly Ivan’s ugly suit.

The next day, Peter goes to his 22-year-old girlfriend Naomi’s place and reveals that his dad died. He mentions Ivan, too, calling him “a complete oddball” and “a chess genius” (5). Naomi seems unfazed by these revelations and asks Peter for money. Lying together, he remembers seeing his friend Sylvia and sharing a bed with her after the funeral. He also wonders if he loves Naomi.

On his way to meet Sylvia at the college where she teaches, Peter thinks about the last few days, still surprised his father is gone. When he sees Sylvia he remembers their youth and the six years they spent together. Over food, Sylvia...