Summary

Homeward, p. 135 – 169. Present tense narration sets this section of the story on New Year’s Eve, 1938. In the mortuary of a hospital in the Portuguese city of Braganca, Pathologist Eusebio Lozora works on a report in his office, reflecting on how his work (examining the bodies of dead people) is the only one in the medical field that depends upon skill with words (as opposed to skill with living bodies) for success. “Every dead body is a book with a story to tell,” narration comments, “each organ a chapter, the chapters united by a common narrative” (137).

As Eusebio is discovering a long-neglected file, there is a knock on the door. Surprised, he opens it to discover his wife Maria, narration describing how she has brought something in a bag; how she considers herself to be an amateur theologian (i.e. contemplating and examining...