54 pages 1 hour read

Nathaniel Rich

Odds Against Tomorrow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Part 2, Section 2Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2, Section 2: “Sternman”

Part 2, Section 2, Chapter 1 Summary

Mitchell wakes up to the sound of a rescue boat urging people who have provisions to wait 24 hours for rescue. Mitchell hastily removes the wood and duct tape from the windows, but the rescue boat has passed. Mitchell begins to gather supplies. He explains to Jane that staying in the building was a bad idea because it may have structural damage. He tells her there is a chance the building will collapse. She asks what he plans to do. He hands her a lifejacket and motions to the canoe. Jane is in disbelief and tells Mitchell he is not acting like himself. He laughs and says, “I know.”

Part 2, Section 2, Chapter 2 Summary

Mitchell and Jane set off in the canoe. Mitchell is overwhelmed by the silence, which he compares to thunder. Something burns under the water, illuminating it. Mitchell suggests going east, but Jane reasons that there will be less flooding to the west. Mitchell tries to insist but Jane becomes upset, so they travel west. The water becomes shallow, and Jane thinks they are saved. Then looters appear on the water’s edge, wrestling and shouting. A group of men fight over necessities, and Jane wishes they never left the apartment. Mitchell changes course and they head east.