As the family moved to a new home in Ireland they found out that the out house was for the whole lane and on their property. The kitchen flooded in the winter, but in the summer it was fine. The house was infested with mice and moisture that was sure to make anyone sick. Not soon after the move did Oliver die. The family said it was because of the loss of the other twin, but also because of the moisture and disease in the house. The family could not move again. They stayed in the house and moved upstairs to escape the flood.

Frank's father drank all of the dole money and the family was so poor, too poor for shoes and clothes, even blankets on the beds. The whole family used coats to cover them when they slept. Malachy and Frank started an Irish school. They are made fun of because they are from America and do not have a strong Irish accent. They also do not know much of their religion and are very behind in school for their age.

When Frank's other brother is born, Alphie. The family goes to the baptism, except Frank's father-he is drunk and forgets to go to the baptism for his son. That same year, Frank's goes through his first communion. His father also forgets to show up for this memorable event. After his first communion, Frank goes to his grandmother's house to have a breakfast and throws up the breakfast along with the "Body of Christ." Frank is forced to go to confession again and say that the "Body of Christ" is in the back yard of his Grandmother's house. Instead of having to say Hail Mary's-the priest laughs and tells Frank to go and tell his Grandmother not to worry. This gets Frank in bigger trouble and his Grandmother refuses to talk to the whole family for a long time.

A few years later Frank's father leaves the family and Angela, Frank's mother is forced to find a new husband to support her family. Once she does, Frank moves out and finds a job working with his uncle. He decides to never move back in with his Step-Father. As Frank works hard along side his uncle, he is able to earn money and finds a boat going back to America. Along side his Uncle, Frank travels back to America.