Excerpt from The Weekend Novelist by Robert J. Ray, Dell Publishing, 1994, page 149.
Problem: A child has died
Solution: Take a trip. Try to forget.
Problem: Macon won't talk, won't share his grief.
Solution: Sarah departs, talking divorce.
Problem: Edward the dog won't behave.
Solution: Take Edward to Muriel, the dog trainer.
Problem: Muriel's a pest.
Solution: Macon avoids Muriel.
Problem: Because of Edward and the cat, Macon breaks his
leg.
Solution: For care, Macon lives with Rose and his two
brothers.
Problem: Memories of Mom, who left.
Solution: Back to Muriel.
Problem: Muriel wants commitment.
Solution: Macon dives back inside.
Problem: Surrounded by women at Rose's wedding.
Solution: Escape to Europe.
Problem: Muriel tags along.
Solution: Macon hurts his back.
Problem: Sarah arrives to take over research chores.
Solution: To avoid pain, Macon takes pills.
Problem: Macon feels the heat from the Muriel-Sarah
struggle.
Solution: He must choose. Refuses the last pill.
Problem: Paris taxi, driving fast, Muriel alone on the
curb.
Solution: Macon tells the taxi to stop.