Summary

The novel opens in the small town of Bacchus Marsh, Australia. The year is 1953. Irene Bobs lives there with her husband Titch and their children. Irene and Titch both love cars, and Titch is a fairly successful used car salesman. Titch’s father, Dan, is a former aviator who owns and operates a Ford dealership. Dan plans to retire soon, and Irene and Titch are interested in opening their own Ford dealership. Chapter 2 shifts to the perspective of Irene and Titch’s new neighbor, Willie Bachhuber. Willie makes a living as a teacher and a quiz show contestant. He does not feel at home in Australia and wishes that he lived in Germany, where his ancestors supposedly lived. In Chapter 3, Bachhuber goes to the Bobs’ residence to introduce himself. Titch’s father, Dan, is visiting as well. Dan wishes for...