Chapter 1 - Chapter 5 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 1 opens with Marc and Catherine looking at their child, Anne Marie, on her first birthday, and noting her seriousness. Catherine notes that one cannot compare children, as their older child, Daniel, was so much more rambunctious. However, Catherine notes now she could sense, even at that early age, that something was amiss with her child. She seems uninterested in her birthday gifts, or in her cake, and is very shy, with little movement. However, her learning seems on track. When the family visits Paris and leaves Anne Marie behind, her sitter notes a lot of crying and unhappiness. When Catherine returns, it is as though Anne Marie does not know her, as the little girl cries incessantly. Over the summer, the crying continues, and any change introduces causes Anne Marie to panic. When the entire family...