Chapter 8 Summary

Mr. Harvey dreams of exotic buildings in Norway that have wood carved by Viking boat builders. The boats sport dragons and heroes of sagas. Mr. Harvey's favorite dream is the one about the Church of Transfiguration. These dreams are then replaced by a dream of vulnerable people, women and children.

Susie is looking at Mr. Harvey, and he is remembering growing up. His father was a jeweler, and he was fascinated by his mother's amber necklace. His father lectured him on constructing buildings to last. When his dreams will not let him sleep, George Harvey opens his father's sketchbooks.

This memory draws Mr. Harvey to when last saw his mother, as she was running away from his father. Mr. Harvey watched from the back seat of the car, and his father assured him that his mother was gone and would not return.

Chapter 8 Analysis