Chapters 5 and 6 Summary

Chapter 5: Mama is proud to be a San Franciscan, and almost says she is a San Franciscan before she says she is Norwegian or American. She loves the city, including its streetcars, stores, and boats.

Papa is convinced by a slick real estate agent to trade in the family's house on Castro Street for a chicken ranch on the other side of the bay. Mama only very reluctantly agrees to this after much prodding. The children feel it's an exciting change, but soon excitement turns to loneliness and boredom on the farm.

Papa fights a losing battle with the fruit orchard and chickens, and cannot turn a profit. Papa arrives at the realization that "It is not good for carpenter to try to be farmer," and he finds the real estate man. He knows of an older couple looking to get...