In Country

In Country Summary | Part 1: Chapter 1 Summary

In Country by Bobbie Ann Mason is set in the summer of 1984. The novel begins with the main character, Sam, her paternal grandmother, and her uncle, Emmett, driving down the highway in a used VW Bug Sam has just purchased. They have left Kentucky and are on a road trip. Thirty-five year old Emmett is Sam's mother's brother. Her grandmother, called "Mamaw," is not related to him and does not know him very well. Sam is irritated by her companions but proud to be in her new car. Emmett, a large man of thirty-five, is quiet as he drives. Mamaw is excited and nervous to be so far away from home. She is traveling for the first time in her life. She fusses over a pot of geraniums she has brought with her. The reader does not know where they are going or why this strange trio of different personalities has decided to travel together in the tight confines of the little car. They stop at a gas station because Mamaw says she needs to take a pill. She is too embarrassed to tell Emmett she has to use the restroom. Sam dreams of painting her new car black and wearing a motorcycle jacket. She likes the idea of looking sinister.