Summary

"The Man in the Hut" is Sedaris' contemplation about a French countryside neighbor named Jackie. Jackie had a metal plate in his head and limped, while his daughter was mentally challenged. Despite their differences in nationalities and lifestyles, David looked forward to the times he ran into Jackie and his daughter, as they were always friendly to him. So it came as quite a shock to David when Jackie was arrested and charged with child molestation one day, as Sedaris saw no warning signs.

Three years later, David was surprised again when Jackie was released from prison. Hugh was appalled that David awkwardly befriended Jackie one more time, but David was certain that Hugh was mistaken about their former neighbor. Because he did not approve of Hugh's judgmental attitude towards Jackie and his offenses, David...