Narrator

The novel's unnamed narrator is the protagonist of the novel. While the reader is not privy to much of the narrator's life prior to the novel, the reader does learn that she used to live in the town where she eventually sets her bungalow and may have been molested by her cousins. Towards the beginning of the novel, the narrator is very detached and cares little for those around her, including her ex-husband and is very impulsive. However, throughout her journey, she begins to care for people, learn what it means to be a mother, and seems to find happiness.

Tumi

Tumi, the son of Audur, is the narrator's companion throughout her journey. Tumi is a four-year-old deaf boy whose care is thrust upon the narrator after Audur falls and later has pregnancy related complications. Over time, Tumi becomes closer to the narrator as her maternal instincts begin...