Chapter 5 Summary

Tom settles into a routine of life in New York and determines to straighten his own life out by telling the entire story of his family's lives to Dr. Lowenstein. He considers it his mission to determine why Savannah is the one who becomes psychotic over the experiences they all have shared growing up. In the psychiatrist's office, he observes a very beautiful woman who is obviously in great mental anguish. He later compares her to a homely girl from an abusive household whom he once taught. He admits to Dr. Lowenstein that he went to the girl's house and beat up her father, breaking his resolve not to be violent like his father, Henry. Yet, he excuses himself by saying that he has also resolved to help children of abusive parents.

Tom continues his tale of how the three children begin their...