The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Norah explains to Paul’s teacher, in annoying detail,that he is allergic to bees.Norah reflects on the few aspects of Paul that are like either herself or David:“But mostly Paul was simply himself. He loved music and hummed made-up songs all day long” (126). Norah’s rich and put-together frenemy, Kay, chats with Norah about Kay’s infant daughter and the protests at the university campus. Norah envies Kay for her unfamiliarity with loss. Norah thinks about her daily drinking habits, and Kay says she will come to Norah's party. Norah says she has to take down the wasps’ nest in their backyard, and Kay is stunned that she doesn’t have people to do this for her. Norah looks forward to accomplishing this task. They talk about Paul’s singing ability, and Kay asks to let him sing at a Cinderella-themed fundraiser,which pleases Norah:“At least this party, like the wasps, would provide another anchor to her days” (129).

Norah remembers when she drove drunk to the river with Paul in the backseat of the car, then promised to take him to the zoo. She thinks about her interview yesterday for a travel agency job as she drives past the university. She goes on campus and finds