Sunset Towers: Chapter 1 Summary

In the first chapter, we learn that Sunset Towers, a glittery, "glassy" apartment building, faces east and has no towers. It stands on the Lake Michigan shore and is five-stories high; the building is empty. On the Fourth of July, a sixty-two-year-old delivery boy rides around town and slips letters under the doors of the chosen tenants-to-be. The letters are signed Barney Northrup, but there is no such person.

The letters say that Sunset Towers has picture windows in every room, a uniformed doorman, and maid service; it is in an exclusive neighborhood and near excellent schools. There are also spaces available for a doctor's office, a coffee shop, and a high-class restaurant.

Six letters are delivered, six appointments are made, and Barney Northrup shows the prospective tenants around the building. To each one, he gives the same speech...