CHAPTER 9

Summary

• The chapter narrative takes place in 1908, Parambil, with the main character contemplating her faith and her life in the wake of the death of her son, who she refers to as JoJo. She experiences nightmares and anger towards her husband and God.
• Her anger towards her husband arises from a suspicion of a 'condition' that she believes to be inherited from him; a fear of water. She confronts him about her suspicions and he reveals old family records that confirm her beliefs.
• The genealogical document provides details of the family’s history of males who feared water. It shows a pattern of death by drowning every generation and proves the existence of this condition within the family.
• Overwhelmed by the hidden knowledge, she accuses her husband of withholding the information. He explains that he presumed she knew of the family condition, and his protective mother's restrictive attitudes reinforced his belief that independent living and unhidden challenges were crucial. He argues his son lived freely and courageously, despite his limitations.
• Later, she adds details of her son’s death to the family tree. She begins to view the 'condition' as part of her life now and challenges God to send a cure or someone who can cure it.
• The chapter ends with her profound sense of loss and her determination to preserve the family history and live fully amidst the perpetual adversity.