Summary

This section includes the three chapters “The Third Visit”, “Family Formations Among Early Primates”, and “Small Joys, Like Sour Cherries” (225, 245, 261). The first chapter starts from Niloo’s perspective in Madrid, 2006. Niloo, Kian, Baba, and Maman are all together in Madrid for the first time in 13 years, and the chapter opens with them watching Saddam Hussein’s execution. A year previously Niloo and Gui had married but did not have a wedding. She had promised all of them they would meet Gui in Madrid, but unfortunately, he could not come.

Maman and Baba squabble over Saddam Hussein and religion. Later, Kian is testy and he snaps at both Niloo and Baba. Talking over the situation, Baba tells Niloo, “All religion is evil” (231). Niloo notices that Baba is sweating and looks uncomfortable. Maman then returns with groceries. She has not told the family but they...