Summary

Chapter 8 is from Mort's perspective, and it is dated September 1947. Mort knows he has “not been an attentive father or a loving husband,” and he begins keeping a “tally” of his kindnesses in the hope that he can bargain God into giving him a son (30). He hates that people expect more and more from him. Rose announces they have been invited for dinner out with Abe, Helen, and Helen's brother Sol. Mort does not approve of Sol, who owns a newsstand but makes the majority of his money as a bookie. Sol is taking everyone out to the restaurant owned by a man who owes him money as a means of collecting some of the money owed. Mort agrees they can go, because he is trying to increase the marks in his positive column and knows Rose wants to go.

Chapter 9 is written...