Book Three, Rebels & Scientists Summary

In Chapter One, Kincaid describes the time after the Psalm Wars, when the family is divided into Rebels (Peter, Everett and Kincaid), Scientists (the twins Winifred and Beatrice) and Irwin, whose sunny outlook and religious bent make him part of neither of the two factions. Laura decides to wage war on the rebels and the boys are left to fix their own food, wash their own clothes, and get jobs. The brothers are dealing with their new found freedom from church, but decide the price for this freedom is too high. The boys struggle to keep up with their studies, work their jobs, keep themselves and their clothes clean. Everett and Peter are roommates, and when Laura decides not to clean their rooms anymore, Everett becomes very untidy and messy. Peter takes a different path altogether, giving...