Chapters 1 and 2 Summary

This novel chronicles the struggles that a spirited woman from the hills of Kentucky faces as she attempts to realize her life-long dream of owning her own farm. Rich in characterization, detail of setting, and in symbolic depth, The Dollmaker explores themes relating to love, sacrifice, and the dangers of striving too hard to live the American Dream.

These two chapters introduce the central character, Gertie Nevels, and the key aspects to her personality and goals that define both the novel's action and its themes.

Chapter 1 - Gertie rides her reluctant mule along a nearly abandoned highway, trying to keep both the mule and the baby boy (Amos) in her arms calm. She guides the mule into the path of an expensive black car, which goes off the road and hangs precariously over a bluff. Gertie dismounts, shoos the mule away...