Chapter 1 Summary

This is a story about James Donaghue, a 30-something writer who writes a little bit of original work, but mostly translates French novels into English to make his living. He lives mostly in London with occasional stints in France, and when the novel begins his aide, Finn, has informed him that they have been kicked out of the house where they had been staying. The house belonged to Magdalen, a young woman who has had some sort of romantic intentions with James, but has now agreed to marry another man. James and Finn are out on the street again. If the truth be told, they had long ago worn out their welcome, as they paid no rent; there is nothing James hates more than paying rent.

James now heads to the newspaper shop of Mrs. Tinckham, who sells papers and magazines and other...