How I Live Now

Content Warnings: This section of the guide includes discussion of incest and disordered eating.

Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary

Elizabeth, who goes by Daisy, introduces herself and explains that she is now recounting her past experience of living in England with her cousins. She also hints at her relationship with Edmond.

The narrative shifts back in time to relate Daisy’s initial arrival in England. In April, Daisy gets off the plane from New York City and looks for her Aunt Penn. Her cousin, Edmond, picks her up, explaining that her aunt is busy working. Daisy is impressed that Edmond can drive and smoke at the age of 14. She reflects on her perception of England’s strangeness, and Edmond, as if he can hear her thoughts, says she’ll become accustomed to it.

At her aunt’s house, Daisy meets her other cousins: Issac, Osbert, and Piper. She also meets their dogs, Gin and Jet. Piper is happy to meet Daisy, and they talk together while Osbert carries Daisy’s suitcase inside. Daisy is impressed with the house and the farm around it.