Summary

In Jane's toddler years, her incontinence becomes an almost comedic part of life on the farm: "It became a familiar sight to the family and the sharecroppers and tenants, this small scrawny creature baring her bony bum and relieving herself whenever and wherever like one of the animals in their care" (48). Even at this early age, Jane frequently brings out the best of her melancholy family members: Grace is inspired to craft a doll for Jane (48-49), and after Jane finds a small snake, her father (who we learn is named Sylvester) gives a friendly lesson on which snakes are safe to handle (50). Jane also relishes the summertime visits from her two college-aged brothers, Sylvester, Jr. & Belmont, until the pair decide to move to Wyoming -- a truly vast distance away (58).

In 1918, when Jane is three years old, a potentially lethal flu begins to...