The Lakes Estate

Hazel gets a job on the Lakes Estate as a cook with Bessie when she comes to Cottonwood. It is here that Hazel is raped and Mary is conceived. While Hazel gets fired from her position, she gets it back after she tells Nora that she is with child.

Cottonwood

Cotton Wood is a part of Winston-Salem where Black people live. There are woods nearby that are unsafe to walk through alone. This is where Mary grows up.

Bessie's Home

When Bessie dies, Nora says that Bessie left her home to Hazel and Mary. They move into the home, but while there, Hazel finds Bessie’s real will and learns that Bessie left the property to her deceased son.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, NC becomes important in the novel as this is where Hazel takes Mary so that Mary can pass as white. Mary is allowed...