Chapter 6, What We Think of Married Life Summary and Analysis

After Michael's parents were married, Mervyn brought 'Mum' to Tea country, which "held her captive." Michael came to the area forty years later to visit his half-sister Susan and her husband Sunil. They had car trouble on the way and had to walk the last bit of distance. Lighting struck the house when they arrived. The next day long quiet mornings began. They prepare for monsoon season. The silence represents the marriage of Michael's parents.

Mervyn loved books, as did Michael's mother. But Mervyn made his books his own. Her mother was a story-teller, and an excellent one at that. Mother was outgoing but Mervyn was private. He couldn't stand Lalla for her boisterousness. He also had a secretive, sly sort of humor that Michael's mother loved long after...