Ocean around Cairnholm, Wales, 1940

The novel begins with the children at sea. The wights chase them in submarines while the children paddle across the ocean between Whales and England. It is here that Riggs begins his story. This ocean gives the reader fishermen's perspective on the children who seem like wraiths. It is here that the novel's first, major theme develops. This theme, the difference between the normal and the peculiar, becomes more and more evident as the novel continues.

Miss Wren's Menagerie Time Loop

The children find their first respite in Miss Wren's time loop. Finally, they find other peculiars. Although these peculiars are animals, two are able to speak and all of them greet the children kindly. This time loop is where the children's travels finally gain purpose and direction. Before the menagerie, the children simply fled from the wights but, after Addison the dog tells the...