In this chapter, we see how Eileen and Orwell attempt to ameliorate his tubercular symptoms by spending the winter in what they hope will be a more favourable climate: Marrakesh. Eileen’s letters home are full of detail about the chaos of their arrival, the health problems they both experience, and the general inconvenience of life in their rented villa. Although there is frequent mention of money shortages, they still could afford to pay for staff to help out on a daily basis. The letters also show Eileen’s quirky sense of humour as her irrepressible positivity finds the irony or absurdity in even the most desperate of situations. This even includes the darkening clouds of war that is starting to look very real.