Chapters 1-5 Summary

This novel is set in 1923, five years after the death of the main character's brother, Pete, of influenza in World War I.

In Chapter 1, Andrew's friend, Ham, asks him if he wants to see a naked girl. A carnival has come to town and Ham suggests they sneak in so that they can see the naked girls they have on display there. Andrew does not like the idea of sneaking out of his family's house to go somewhere he knows his parents would not approve of, but he caves under pressure from Ham.

In Chapter 2, it is Pete's birthday. Pete, Andrew's older brother, went to war when he was only seventeen and died of influenza on the day peace was declared. Every year on his birthday, Andrew's family shares a meal of Pete's favorite foods. Andrew still has a letter Pete...