Chapter 7, The Ceylon Cactus and Succulent Society Summary and Analysis

In "Thanikama", Mervyn is driving to Colombo after meeting with Doris. He can't remember where his children are. But when he sobers up, he can remember everyone. Doris never finds him and he spends the day milling about, talking to people and drinking. The year is 1947. Afterwards he drove around and eventually left Colombo. Eventually he reached Kegalle and drove to Rock Hill. He stared at the house, seeing it empty. He could not see the moon. He was alone with the bottle.

In "Final Days Father Tongue", Michael introduces some memories transcribed from his family. Jennifer notes how large the poultry farm was back in Mervyn's day. She had designed a poster for it. Mervyn kept everyone busy, with Jennifer doing correspondence and Susan collecting eggs. Jennifer and...