Summary

The prologue opens with Martha asleep in Germany in 1936. Information about the murder of a general, his wife, and daughter are murdered in Tenerife, Spain during the Spanish Civil War. All of Europe is restless, with Franco wanting to take over Spain and the Germans marching. Martha feels something is “missing in my life” (5). Martha wants to write about what is happening in the world around her.

Part 1 is called Racing Shadows and takes place during January 1936 – March 1937. Chapter 1 opens with Martha thinking about running away from when she was about five and discovering her taste for travel. In 1936, Martha is called home to St. Louis because her father is ill. Martha reflects on seeking her father’s approval. Martha is concerned that her father is dying.

Chapter 2 finds Martha and her mother taking Martha’s father to the hospital for surgery...