Summary

In pages 3 - 44 of the novel, 16-year-old Ree Dolly observed the land from her porch, planning for the coming snow. She wondered where her father, Jessup, was. He had been away for some time and had not left provisions for the family. He would often leave for long periods of time, without word of his return. Ree's eight-year-old brother, Harold, came out, asking if Blond Milton would bring food for dinner. Ree said she would make grits.

Inside, Ree's mother sat unresponsively. Prior to her mental illness, her excessive medication, Connie was once lively. Connie's immobility made Ree responsible for both brothers, Harold and Sonny. She hoped they would not grow up to be ruined by their environment and lineage. The Dolly family had rivalries with other families in the valley. Ree tried bringing the boys up better.

After the boys left for...