Summary

Chapter 5 is titled “Brother” and is dated Friday, April 12, 1929. The reader knows this character only as “Brother” until near the end of the novel. For the sake of clarity, he is referred to as Verchel throughout this guide except in direct quotes.

Verchel has walked through many towns. One day, he saw a woman named Sister Aimee Semple McPherson lead a tent revival, and he was impressed by her story, which he felt was similar to his own. For the next year and a half, he walks across Georgia and South Carolina, “offering kindness where it could be offered, helping the helpless, preaching the equality of all people regardless of race” (145). He did not drink liquor or touch a woman during that time. He later hears her on the radio, outlining her plan for her ministry. For a five dollar donation, donors receive...