A Summons to Memphis is a story about Phillip Carver, an adult who narrates events in his childhood that led to his present day situation. The biggest event was when he moved with his parents and siblings to Memphis at the age of thirteen. The narrator believes that this sole action was the reason for the family's subsequent lifestyle.
Phillip is in his late forties and has since moved to Manhattan. His sisters, Betsy and Josephine have remained single and live near their father. His mother had died two years ago. Phillips's friend Alex, who also lives in Memphis, is quite worried about the widowed father and how the sisters would react if he decided to date and marry again.
Phillip recalls two old widowers from his childhood and the lengths their children went to keep them from.....
