Chapter 5 Summary

Chapter 5, titled Motherhood, 1947, tells of Daisy's current life as Mrs. Barker Flett. They live in Ottawa, with their three children, Alice, 9, Warren, 7, and Joan, 5. Daisy spends her time keeping house, taking care of the children, and reading magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens. They have settled into a comfortable and orderly life, though all of them - even the children - are restless. Daisy has no interest in sex with her husband, and she struggles with melancholy, but finds solace in her elaborate garden.

Barker is nearing retirement and is worried how he will occupy his time; he is also preoccupied with thoughts of a reunion with his father, Magnus, who he still has not spoken to since Magnus returned to the Orkney Islands. Barker's niece, Beverly, comes to visit the Fletts, and the children are fascinated by her. However, Daisy is...