Of the many settings in the story—Rodney, Natchez Under-the-Hill, Estelle’s house, the Lighthouse Motor Hotel—which did you find most evocative and why? What role do you think landscape plays in the novel?
To me, the many houses that the characters lived in were also characters in the story! I thought the Natchez Under-the-Hill section of the story was the most entertaining. I tried to imagine the look on Becca’s face when she realized what kind of house she was in.
For me the most evocative setting was Estelle’s house. I’m sure that’s because I’m drawn to old homes (I once owned a house built before 1760) and antiques. Each piece has a story to tell. The authors description of Memphis Under-the Hill made me feel as if I were there. I could see and feel the separation of the city-both physically and socially.
The most intriguing setting for me was Natchez Under-the-Hill. The character dynamics were distinct and interwoven. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Drew and Becca. He was light in darkness, someone she and Evie could rely upon to have their best interests at heart.
Natchez, the city as a whole, was most evocative. We were given glimpses of the different parts of Natchez, both the beauty and the underbelly, which added a multidimensional sense of place. I also liked the secondary characters in Natchez best.
The houses were characters! Thank you for that insight!
The houses became characters within the basic story. I loved the room in the “house.” It gave her Drew and Walter and a safe place to land with her child. In this book landscape plays deeply into the storyline. The reader can feel the river and how it affected the lives of these two women, calling them often to its shores. The Lighthouse Motel, spooky as it was provided shelter even in its unkept condition it provided a safe place to hide.
I really did enjoy the settings, especially Natchez. I had to look it up to see how much was true. I agree, houses can be characters. Whenever I see a house that has been neglected, I hope that the house will soon have residents that will show the house some love and let it have good memories. I grew up with my elders stating that if you touch the walls of a house when you leave it, you will return. I don’t know if that is true, but whenever we have moved, I have walked through the house and thanked it for providing me and my family a safe haven. Amazing, how those old family traditions stay with you even when you go grow up!
I would consider Natchez Under-the-Hill the most evocative. It took place in a shady part of the city with many examples of unacceptable behavior. It was an area that was unsafe at night and maybe during the day. The fact it was described as such a “seedy location” lead to Becca needing to find better living conditions for her daughter asap. I wonder why Becca didn’t go back to earlier locations like Lottie’s house but I also know money was a problem. I think Becca had a “do or die” attitude - make it better in Natchez.
I think the Natchez Under-the-Hill house was the most evocative. In its rundown condition, it was a reminder of the state of the nation at the time. The Depression had negatively affected every segment of the economy. People had very little and resorted to doing whatever they could just to survive. While this living arrangement would not have been Becca’s choice given other options, it served as a safe place where she could live with Evie until her circumstances changed for the better.
I thought the first river was thr most evocative and had the most ties to a character
The Mississippi River at Rodney and Mapleton seemed to be the most important influence on the characters. It was also the most atmospheric. Lottie was especially affected by the river, and it spoke to her in a secret way. Each house and town had its own special influence, but the tie of Lottie and the river were the most profound