Nora Lark

Nora Lark is the female protagonist of the novel. She is the wife of Emmett Lark, and mother to Evelyn, Rob, Dolan, and Toby. As a girl, Nora grows up in Morton Hole, in her parents', Gustav and Ellen Francis Volk's, boarding house. When she is 16, Emmett comes to stay at the boarding house. The two begin a friendship which eventually grows into affection. Before leaving Morton Hole for Arizona Territory, Nora and Emmett marry.

Despite the undeveloped and unforgiving life in Amargo, Nora and Emmett gradually find stability and begin raising a family. One day, left alone on the family property, Nora believes an approaching rider is a band of malicious Navajo Indians come to kill her and her baby, Evelyn. Despite the scorching heat, Nora remains outside in the brush, only to discover the rider is Doc Almenara. Evelyn dies shortly thereafter due to sun...