Summary

Chapter 11, the last section of “Normal Accidents,” recounts a press conference in Iran that plays on news stations throughout the United States. Barry Rosen, is a press attache from New York City, brought in front of cameras to broadcast the severity of the situation. Two local men have taken over the American Embassy and taken Barry and his colleagues as hostages. Barry serves as visual evidence. Later, the announcement says that the Iranian parliament will determine the fate of these captors. The parliament has not been elected, and protests erupt throughout America where students and community members picket and chant, demanding justice and safe return for the hostages. This broadcasts while Wesley plays the same mousetrap game, quietly alone on his living room floor.

The next chapter begins a new a part, titled “Not in My Backyard.” In July 2012, Darren Devlin has eight...