Pages 1-52 Summary

Note: Page numbers refer to the Penguin Books paperback edition of The Van by Roddy Doyle.

Jimmy Rabbitte, Sr. is trying to find a place to sit in his own house. At first he is in the kitchen, but his son, Darren, comes in looking for a place to study. Jimmy Sr. goes out and sits on the front step. Nothing happens. A car goes by: first up the street, then down; Jimmy Sr. does not recognize the driver. He counts the change in his pocket: one pound sevenpence.

Darren is in the kitchen trying to get into his homework. He thinks that his mother will be coming in shortly to make dinner and he will have to find another place.

Veronica, Darren's mother, is in her bedroom with the door locked. She is doing her homework as well.

Linda and...