Summary

Part 2, Chapter 14 – Volk’s wife believes Pasha’s American niece has intentionally been left behind to keep an eye on things, though Frida doesn’t look like a spy. She and Frida do their best to stay out of each other’s way, with the wife seizing control of the TV. Frida goes out for a walk. She tries to recall places and events from her youth in Odessa, but little comes to mind. She runs into Nadia, who invites Frida into her dacha apartment. Nadia is brisk and impolite, but asks about Frida’s family. Nadia complains that her own family is never around, and advises against Frida ever having a son, because sons do not come around to visit.

Frida then goes down to the shore to visit the Black Sea. It isn’t Brighton Beach. Frida has her...