Chapter 7-8 Summary

Chapter 7, part 1: Family Corroboree.

Jo arrives at Tohoga House. There is a great deal of excitement in the air. Sam is home after 8 long months in Malay and the children are ecstatic. Friends, family and neighbors are present, celebrating with food and drink. Jo is overwhelmed with emotions. Sam tells Jo to calm down, that everything is fine. Sam is not the only brother to have ever gone away from home and, besides, he is back at Tohoga House now and everything is fine. Jo speaks with Sam about how he has changed since he went to Malay. Sam is more restrained, less exuberant. His manner is a bit harsher than it ever was and Jo is not sure what to make of it. Sam teases Jo about her complaints.

Sam learns that Jo has written a poem that has been...