Joseph Timeline and Summary

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• Joseph comes into the story when Sophie's eighteen and she and her mother move into the house next door. She falls in love with him in short order.
• He first meets her when he comes over to borrow the phone to check on a gig. She learns that his family is from Louisiana and that he speaks a form of Creole.
• Joseph spends some stolen time with Sophie, whenever her mother is out at work. He learns about her protected life and they become closer.
• He manages to sneak Sophie out for a date one night, and tells her that he will marry her, despite her mother's objections.
• Joseph travels the country for long periods of time with his band, playing different shows.
• Sometimes he is in his house in Providence, as well, so Sophie doesn't get to see him as often as she would like.
• During one of his returns to Brooklyn, Joseph asks Sophie to marry him. She tells him she'll have to think about it.
• Joseph takes an injured Sophie in. He marries her and takes her to live with him in Providence.
• When Sophie leaves home with their baby and travels to Haiti without giving him a heads-up, a worried Joseph contacts Martine.
• He gives her clothes and diapers to take to Haiti for Sophie and Brigitte.
• When Sophie returns to Brooklyn with her mother, Joseph wants to drive down and pick her up. But Sophie wants to drive home herself.
• He is concerned about their marriage and encourages Sophie by telling her he will give her as much space as she needs to heal.
• But despite his promises, Joseph wants to be intimate with Sophie and makes love to her when she returns. Sophie does not react well.
• He travels with Sophie to Brooklyn to meet his mother-in-law and Marc. He is eager to please her. Joseph encourages Martine to sing her favorite Negro spiritual.
• Joseph comforts Sophie when she learns that her mother has killed herself. He helps her prepare for her journey to Haiti.