The Story of Tom Brennan: Chapter One Summary & Analysis

At dinner, Gran asks who's going to say grace. Tom notes that this isn't truly a question, as she's staring at him. He begins, but Gran stops him to ask where Mum is. Kylie looks as though Gran is crazy, as Mum hasn't eaten at the table since Daniel left. Gran calls for Mum and Mum, too tired to fight, shuffles to the table. Tom resumes the prayer, repeating the words that Gran mouths to him—he thanks God for the food and for Australia (it's Australia Day), but he struggles to repeat her final prayer for Daniel. Tom keeps his eyes closed so he doesn't have to look at Mum and Dad struggling to maintain composure as Gran loudly asks God to forgive Daniel.

Tom thinks of how Australia Day used to go down at his parents' place. They'd have a barbeque and Tom, Daniel, Kylie, and their cousin Fin would start a game of cricket while Dad grilled. In the afternoon, Matt, Snorter, Luke, and other friends would show up and the cricket game would become the loud event that made Australia Day at the Brennans' special. Tom thinks that all of that is in the past now; today, his family is at Gran's while all of her paintings of saints watch over them.

Uncle Brendan attempts to carve the roast pork. The pork is so overcooked that he can barely get through it. Finally, at Gran's direction, Brendan passes the knife to Dad. Tom wonders how Brendan can stand living on the same property as Gran and wonders how hot it is. He's sweating enough to stick to his seat. Tom thinks that despite the horror of this Australia Day, Daniel would still give anything to be here.

A man's voice interrupts Tom's reverie, and Father Vincent walks into the dining room at Gran's invitation. Tom thinks that he's obviously only come for a meal and to stare at them, as he's sure Gran has told everyone about Daniel. Father Vincent introduces himself to Mum, who refuses to look at him, and then Gran invites him to eat with the family. He sits down next to Tom and attempts to engage Tom in conversation. Gran makes sure to note that Tom is repeating Year Eleven, while Kylie managed to keep up with her schoolwork. Gran also insists that Tom will absolutely join the Saint Benedict's rugby team and points out that Dad will be assistant coaching. She declares it'll be a fresh start for everyone.

Father Vincent asks Tom if he was the one responsible for leading his old school, St. John's, to the last three Wattle Shields. Dad hurriedly corrects him that they only won two, as they "missed out" last year. Father Vincent stammers and then shifts the conversation to St. Benedict's rugby in general. He mentions the coach, Michael Harvey, and lists several skilled players. Tom says nothing but thinks that the Bennie's team "couldn't catch a cold." When Father Vincent mentions a game that took place last July, Tom thinks that he can barely remember last July. He thinks that he hasn't yet decided if he wants to play rugby this year, as it won't be the same without Daniel.

Uncle Brendan reminds Tom that there's a game of touch rugby in the afternoon, which will give Tom a chance to meet his classmates before he starts school the next day. Tom agrees to go, though he regrets it almost immediately when Dad and Gran decide to watch and decide that Kylie has to go too. Gran turns to Mum and asks if she's coming, insisting that her silence isn't helping. Mum looks briefly at Tom with dull eyes and then leaves the room without touching any of her food. Brendan helps her out and tells Gran to leave her alone, though Gran continues to mutter.

Gran exclaims that she prays to Saint Jude every day to make Mum's life more tolerable and then rants about Daniel. Finally, she gets up and begins snatching plates off the table. Kylie and Dad rush to pick up the dropped silverware. When Father Vincent gets up and offers to help Gran, Gran snaps at him that he can help her by praying for Mum, Dad, and especially Daniel. She storms out of the room, leaving everyone else in an awkward silence.