Chapters 13 & 14 Summary and Analysis

In Paradise Loft, after graduate school and the trip to Europe, Ruth and Doug move to New York with only $10 in their pockets and the address of Pat, Ruth's old roommate. Pat has dubbed her rented apartment the Paradise Loft. "In 1971 lower Manhattan was a cook's paradise," according to Ruth, who spends her days cooking. She buys specialty ingredients of the highest quality in Chinatown, the Italian section or the Jewish quarter, all near the loft. Ruth commissions Mr. Izzy to make a quilt for just $35. Although his workmanship is of the highest quality, Mr. Izzy is slow. Each week for a year he tells her that the quilt will be ready — next week. Ruth does not really mind, because she enjoys visiting Mr. Izzy, a lonely man who serves as her guide to the neighborhood.

Doug, Pat and Ruth...