While two characters, Victoria and Caitlin, take the forefront in the novel's characterizations, Blume throughout the novel allows all of the characters a chance to voice their points of view. Thus, while the reader most commonly sees the world through Victoria's eyes, the other characters from time to time enter the narrative frame and tell the story from their perspective, as well.

However, it is true that the focus of the story is on two young women, Caitlin Somers and Victoria Leonard. All of the other characters serve as foils for the advent and growth of the women's relationship. In addition, and most important, is that the relationship between the two women in many ways dictates, and in all instances, informs, the decisions the women make in the course of their lives. No matter the physical distance between them, or the length of time...