Summary

In Chapter 8, “Gifts for the Christ Child,” it is explained that book eater women are supposed to be able to handle childbirth well, but Devon struggles and screams as the Winterfield women try to help her. They do not want to give her anything for pain; after all, traumatic childbirth helps hinder attachment between the mother and child. Luton cannot handle her screaming, however, and insists she be given something. Devon gives birth to a daughter, Salem.

Devon decides that she will never give her daughter away, but Gailey reminds her that she will only be given three years with Salem. Gailey sees how attached Devon is to Salem and suggests scheduled time for mother and baby to be apart to help break the attachment. Devon is held down as women take the baby away, and Devon thinks about how she had been...