Summary

Allison opens the novel by introducing the central theme of mothers and daughters. The first two chapters focus almost entirely on Delia and Cissy’s opposing desires. Delia longs to reconnect with Amanda and Dede, while Cissy wants to avoid them, and run away from her mother. Delia sees going to Cayro as returning home, while Cissy sees it as leaving home. Cissy’s hostility toward her mother, coupled with Delia’s certainty that they will be glad to have her back in their lives, both serve to foreshadow how difficult it will be for Delia to reconnect with her daughters.

The contrasts between Delia and Cissy are further emphasized by their differing reactions to being robbed in the second chapter. Cissy is greatly upset over the very real material losses she has suffered, both for their physical and sentimental value. “Her clothes...