Chapter 1: History Lesson
* Introduces Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who is recruited by Al Templeton to travel back in time to 1958.
* Al reveals that he had previously traveled back to the past and tried to stop Lee Harvey Oswald from assassinating President John F. Kennedy, but ultimately failed.
* Jake agrees to undertake the mission, knowing that it could potentially rewrite history.
Example: Jake is tasked with finding George de Mohrenschildt, a Russian émigré who later becomes a mentor to Lee Harvey Oswald.
Chapter 2: The Yellow Card Man
* Jake arrives in 1958 and befriends Sadie Dunhill, a librarian who helps him adjust to the past.
* He begins his investigation by tracking down de Mohrenschildt and learns that he is a charismatic and influential figure.
* Jake meets Bill Turcotte, a wealthy businessman who becomes his close friend and ally.
Example: Jake witnesses de Mohrenschildt's charm and eloquence firsthand, realizing the man's potential to influence Oswald.
Chapter 3: The Lone Gunman
* Jake's investigation leads him to Oswald, a troubled young man who has recently moved to Dallas.
* He discovers that Oswald has a history of violence and mental instability.
* Jake struggles to reconcile his growing sympathy for Oswald with his mission to prevent the assassination.
Example: Jake witnesses Oswald's unpredictable behavior and feelings of isolation, understanding the complexities of the man he must ultimately destroy.
Chapter 4: The Ballad of Lee Harvey Oswald
* Jake uncovers a web of connections between Oswald, de Mohrenschildt, and Jack Ruby, a nightclub owner with known underworld ties.
* He realizes that Oswald is being manipulated by these individuals to serve their sinister purposes.
* Jake must confront his own moral boundaries as he considers the consequences of interfering with Oswald's life.
Example: Jake learns that Oswald has been in contact with Soviet agents, raising concerns about a possible conspiracy behind the assassination.
Chapter 5: The Day Before
* With the assassination date rapidly approaching, Jake faces a profound dilemma.
* He has fallen in love with Sadie and formed strong bonds with others in 1958, making it increasingly difficult to leave them behind.
* However, he knows that he must ultimately fulfill his mission to prevent the tragedy.
Example: Jake's emotional conflict is heightened as he weighs the importance of his relationship with Sadie against the responsibility to reshape history.
