Book I, Hubbard, Chapter 1 to Chapter 2, Part 2 Summary

Paul's father, Hubbard, at age twenty-one is a Berlin-based writer who in 1923 visits his late father's friends, the Buechelers on Rügen Island. There he meets Lori who is eighteen years old and gloriously pretty, independent and forward. Hearing Hubbard read his draft novel to her, she declares him a genius and seduces him. In Chapter 2, Lori is eight months pregnant when her Uncle Paulus and Hubbard's cousin Christopher visit. Both stand as godfather for the baby born 14 Jun. 1924 at Berwick. Paul from the start is a quiet and reflective person, as well as a reader and an athlete. The family enjoys sailing their yawl, the Mahican, to Falster Island, where Hubbard tells stories about his ancestors. Coming back from a trip, Lori makes Paul promise never to be silent about...