Summary

Chapter 1 began with Adam Berwick resting after collecting hay in Chawton, Hampshire, England. A young American woman, Mary Anne Harrison, suddenly asked for directions to Jane Austen’s historic home. Adam led her to the graves of Austen’s mother and sister before the cottage. Mary Anne shared her love of Austen’s novels, but Adam had never read them. When she inquired about his background, he revealed that he gave up his studies when his brothers fought and died in World War I. Upon Mary Anne’s insistence, Adam borrowed Pride and Prejudice from the library. While it “amused him,” it also revealed sad truths about everyday life (11). Adam found himself already learning about himself and the world through Mr. Darcy’s character.

Chapter 2 began in the fall of 1943, 11 years after Adam and Mary Anne’s encounter. Dr. Gray took a break...