Chapters 1-8 Summary

The first story in this section is "Goodbye, My Brother." The story revolves around the Pomeroy family. Mrs. Pomeroy is a widow with four children, Diana, Chaddy, Lawrence, and the narrator. The children are all in their mid-to late 30s and have gone their separate ways. Diana lives in France; Chaddy is a successful New York businessman; Lawrence is a lawyer, and the narrator is a teacher in a secondary school.

The story revolves around an annual get-together at the family's seaside mansion in Laud's Head, located on the shore of Massachusetts. Regardless of past conflicts, all of the children are eager to see each other, their spouses and children. Mrs. Pomeroy is particularly happy and will do anything to keep the peace. The family catches up on each other's lives since the last meeting. The narrator talks about each person...