Neil is 12, a year younger than his disabled sister, Geraldine. Geraldine has lived in an institution all her life, but when she becomes toilet trained, her mother decides she must come home for good. The story concerns the considerable stress this decision puts on Neil and on his father as well. Though their sympathy lies with Geraldine (the institution is dreadful) the chaol she creates in their everyday lives is understandable. Dad finally leaves - we are left in doubt as to whether this is permanent - but Neil sticks it out, beginning to see Geraldine's (or 'Jellybean's') small steps in learning as important. He also sees she loves him and needs him. Poignant, but with no easy answers. Slightly flippant American style.