Good People

The novel is interested in exploring morally grey characters who consider themselves “good people” but who do bad things that lead to horrific consequences because they want so desperately to be admired and seen as good. The smalltown setting of Wakarusa is described as a place where rumors and gossip fly. Because of this, the residents are desperate to appear good so that no one is able to shame them for being bad.

Krissy is a beautiful, intelligent, charismatic, and talented young woman, but she is made to feel as if she should be ashamed of the truth of who she is because she is poor and, in Wakarusa, this means she is bad. As Luke tells Billy the first time they all hang out together: “I’m sayin’ is—this town puts a label on us the day we’re born. You remember the...