Not Natty-Chapter One

Rose moves in with Ira and Abby. Rose's new husband is livid. Rose begins to visit a new round of specialists with Abby but Abby takes matters into her own hands.

Natty starts nursing school. She has no money but her roommates lend her clothes so she can look fashionable on dates with Eddie. Bob Firestone runs a nightclub in Cleveland. Rose remarries. Abby's illness worsens.

Rose begins to work at the emergency room, one of the first in the country. She spends her off days with Laura who hosts Abby's wedding. Eddie prepares for the Army while Natty contemplates attending nursing school. Rose has a new love interest.

Opening and acknowledgements

Natty forgives Abby.

1930-The rest of the story.

Abby and Ira elope.

Natty's forever changed by Harry's death. She and Abby insist on hearing the rest of the story of why Harry didn't practice law and how Bob Firestone had been involved. There were threats and murders.

1949- Harry's head is in the toilet. Natty discovers him. In the hospital, Harry recites poetry to Rose as she takes care of him. They reminisce about the life together. The neighbors donate blood. Rose contemplates her life without Harry.

Abby wanders at night. Abby meets Ira. He associates with gangsters at the candy store down the street. Harry becomes increasingly ill.

Abby realizes the doctors think she is mentally ill. A doctor tells Abby she should get away from her mother. Rose tries to set her up with a Jewish man in Cleveland. Abby begins to see herself differently and sneaks out at night to meet people her age.

Flashback to 1930: The prosecutor and Harry talk about the case and meet with the District Attorney and the police.

Natty writes Cathy about a boy she met, Eddie. Abby resents her sister's social life. Her seizures become more frequent. Rose returns to Cleveland with Abby. This time, Natty stays home with Harry who meets Eddie. He sends the young couple to the opera.