Under the Net

Under the Net Summary | Chapter 1 Summary

This is a story about James Donaghue, a 30-something writer who writes a little bit of original work, but mostly translates French novels into English to make his living. He lives mostly in London with occasional stints in France, and when the novel begins his aide, Finn, has informed him that they have been kicked out of the house where they had been staying. The house belonged to Magdalen, a young woman who has had some sort of romantic intentions with James, but has now agreed to marry another man. James and Finn are out on the street again. If the truth be told, they had long ago worn out their welcome, as they paid no rent; there is nothing James hates more than paying rent.

James now heads to the newspaper shop of Mrs. Tinckham, who sells papers and magazines and other assorted treats like ice cream. James is comfortable with this chain-smoking old woman, surrounded by cigarette smoke and way too many cats. She is, however, the model of discretion, and listens to his laments and never reveals anything you can be sure. She has never even taken a drop of the whisky he keeps behind her counter for such occasions, and that is the true mark of propriety in his eyes.

James opens his portfolio just to make sure that Magdalen has not forgotten to pack any when she removed his things from her house. He recalls the time she destroyed a manuscript of his poetry that might well have turned into an epic.

However, he is not mad at Magdalen for her past indiscretions or for her kicking him out of her house today. He feels she is a bright, sensual person who is warm-hearted and who would help anyone she could. Now she was about to marry Sammy Starfield, a major bookie. This revelation is a little unsettling to James but she has made up her mind and she warns him not to come around the house after next week, because Sammy will be there and will break his neck.

Therefore, James needs to find a place to stay. He considers his friend, Dave, and although Dave is a religious zealot, there is no concept that he hates more than charity. They do have things to talk about and he's fond of him; and right now James needs a little comfort and indulgence, so he packs up his things, leaves them behind the counter at Mrs. Tinckham's and heads to his friend's house.