Summary

Part 5 takes place in Asheville, North Carolina in the years 1948-1950. It begins with a newspaper report from “Star Week” that circulated rumors that Harry and Violet were in a romantic relationship and had been to Mexico in order for Violet to be introduced to Harry’s family before they wed. Through a diary entry, Harry reported that Violet was extremely upset about the report, which had since been picked up by several other news outlets.

Harry received a letter from his friend Tom Cuddy telling him that he was disappointed to learn of Harry’s relationship with Violet because he had feelings for Harry. Harry responded that there was no relationship with Violet and invited Tom to visit. Harry began work on his third novel and his publishers sent him a new contract to sign which obliged him to declare that...