Summary

NOTE: The book's chapter numbers are in reverse order, beginning with Chapter 10 and ending with Chapter 1. The sections within each chapter are identified by the name of a character.

In Chapter 10, “Emmett,” on June 12, 1954, Emmett Watson returned to his hometown of Morgen, Nebraska from a facility for juvenile delinquents in Salina, Kansas. He had been given a few months off his sentence because his father, Charlie Watson, had died. At Emmett’s home, he was met by Mr. Ransom, Emmett’s neighbor.

Tom Obermeyer, a banker, was waiting inside the house. He explained to Emmett that his father had been in debt when he died and the bank had to foreclose on the house. Emmett did not appear to be sorry he was losing the farm, but he argued when Obermeyer said the bank would also take a baby blue Studebaker that belonged to...