Part One: 1968-1970, June 1968, Merit, and July 1968, Slip Summary

Eric, Merit's husband, does not want her to join a book club. When Merit argues with him about it, Eric slaps her. Merit is stunned, but has known for some time that her perfect husband has a dark side. Merit met Eric after leaving her hometown, against the wishes of her parents, and while she was attending business school in Minneapolis. Eric was so nice to her, so devoted, that she imagined their marriage would be idyllic. However, about six months after the wedding, Eric began belittling Merit, calling her names and causing her to feel inadequate. To avoid these events, Merit began devoting her days to making Eric's life easier. However, no matter how hard Merit tries to please Eric, his dark moods continue. The argument over the...