Summary

In “1969,” 12-year-old Cecilia got her period for the first time. When she asked Etta for help, the latter offered her pills from bed. Cecilia bought her own supplies, and when she returned home, she willed Etta to hit her to receive some form of attention. But Etta did not indulge her. Instead, the family continued to make excuses for Etta’s behavior.

Blythe began Chapter 37 by describing the pain she felt about Sam’s loss. When he was first born, Blythe believed she felt the connection she was searching for. She appreciated how important her physical body was to their family, but Fox was no longer emotionally invested while they were intimate. In Chapter 38, Fox was frustrated that Blythe was more committed to Sam’s activities than she was for Violet’s. Blythe had overheard Fox insinuating to Helen that Blythe did not love...