Summary

At the beginning of the first chapter, the novel’s protagonist, Makina, believes she is dead. A sinkhole opens up just inches from where Makina is standing. She watches as a man is swallowed into the sinkhole. She reflects that the Little Town is “riddled with bullet holes and tunnels bored by five centuries of voracious silver lust” (11).

Makina remembers her mother, Cora, giving her a piece of paper and telling her to give it to her brother. Hugging her daughter, Cora told Makina to go to the Little Town and talk to the “top dogs” (12) there who can help her with her journey.

Makina goes to see Mr. Double-U. She once “shucked” (13) the sentry who stands watch. Begrudgingly, the sentry allows Makina to see Mr. Double-U, who is sitting in a steam room. Once, Cora helped save Mr. Double-U’s life...