Chapter 1 Summary

Amal dreams of meeting her great uncle Sharif in a house she knew before it became a museum. Declaring this the story of Anna and Isabel, Amal turns to Anna's troubled journal entry written in autumn, 1897. Anna tries to be a faithful and loving wife but can find no way to make Edward's lot happier. In her girlish days, two years ago, she expected life to be different. Amal commiserates. Anna misses her deceased parents. She has often heard her beloved father-in-law, Sir Charles, talk about overseas campaigns and the evils of imperialism. Anna confesses in her journal, depression and wicked feelings towards a husband who feels none of her turmoil.

Chapter 1 Analysis

Chapter 1 continues "A Beginning" by dipping into the chest. Amal is already drawn into the story and enamored of the man who will marry Anna. If anything, Amal will become...