Summary

The prologue introduces the reader to the Echota family, upon which the novel centers. The prologue specifically focuses on Ray-Ray Echota, who was killed at the age of 15. The Echotas lived in the town of Quah, Oklahoma Ray-Ray was beloved by his parents and siblings. Ray-Ray was unjustly shot and killed by a police officer outside of a mall on September 6. September 6 is also the anniversary of the Cherokee Nation Constitution. The Echotas are ethnically Cherokee. Chapter 1 shifts ahead 15 years, to the present day. It is September 1, five days before the anniversary of Ray-Ray’s death. Maria Echota—Ray-Ray’s mother—still lives near Quah, with her husband Ernest—Ray’s father. Maria narrates the chapter. Maria and Ernest are in their early seventies. Ernest has begun to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, which has the effect of eroding his memory. Maria and...