Summary

As homosexuality is illegal in Ireland, Cyril is reluctant to come out to anyone. In “Chapter 4: 1966: In the Reptile House,” he becomes very promiscuous, having one night stands with strangers. Eventually, he is trailed on one of his late night prowls by a policeman and his strict, Catholic girlfriend of convenience, Mary-Margaret Moffat. Denounced by the latter and nearly arrested by the former, Cyril is spared when the IRA blows up a nearby statue, which crushes both the policeman and Mary- Margaret Moffat when it lands. Shaken, Cyril vows only to have sex with women.

Cyril's vow to only have sex with women means he's celibate...with one notable exception. When he reconnects with Julian's younger sister, Alice Woodbead, in “Chapter 5: 1973 Keeping the Devil at Bay” he is struck by her wry humor, her warmth, and her striking physical resemblance to her brother...