Chapter 5 Summary

Emelina's husband, J.T., is detained in Texas because of an investigation of a derailment. He has worked for the railroad since the mine shut down about ten years ago. Codi will teach science classes at the local high school for a year. She tells Emelina that she thinks the relationship with Carlo is over.

Viola Domingos is Emelina's mother-in-law and lives with the family. She is a member of the Stitch and Bitch Club. Codi reflects on how closely bound she is to Hallie and how much she misses her and how their father, who came to Grace from Illinois, has always impressed upon them that they were different from the other people in this little town. His racist and classist attitudes have robbed her of any opportunity to be accepted and develop a sense of belonging in the town, important building...