Summary

In Chapter 1 of the novel’s second book, the year is 1939 and young Noa is six years old. Noa also has an infant brother named Mozasu. The war is coming, and Yoseb reads newspaper reports about how Japan “would protect Asia from the pernicious hands of Western imperialism” (154). Two women from Isak’s church come to the door. Hu was allegedly “mouthing the words of the Lord’s Prayer when they were supposed to be pledging allegiance to the Emperor” (155). Yoo and Isak were arrested for defending Hu. Sunja, Kyunghee, and Yoseb visit the police station where Isak has been taken. Yoseb tries to reason with the police, but they are unmovable. The family considers asking Canadian missionaries for help in getting Isak released.

Sunja visits the police station every day to give food to Isak in Chapter 2, but she never...