54 pages • 1 hour read
Bernardine EvaristoA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Content Warning: This section describes instances of anti-gay bias and violence, as well as domestic violence. It also references sexual assault, racism, and suicide.
Barry and Morris, who have been friends and secret lovers since they were teenagers in Antigua, are partying at a dance hall in Hackney, London. The pair, both in their 70s, stand out due to their age. Barry realizes that he can no longer move like the younger people around him. Morris vows that he will stop drinking to combat the effects of age and memory loss, although Barry doesn’t believe the sobriety will last, as drinking is a lifelong habit Morris has developed.
Despite his age, Barry believes he is still handsome and puts a lot of effort into his appearance, wearing a 50s-style suit that makes him stand out even more among the young adults. He also wears a golden tie clip that he received when he retired after 40 years of work at a Ford Motor factory. Despite his hard work at the factory, Barry has made most of his money through buying, renovating, and then renting out properties.