Amanda

When the novel begins, Amanda, her husband Clay, and their two teenage children Archie and Rose are arriving at the house on Long Island they have rented for their vacation. The family lives in Brooklyn and Amanda works as an advertising executive, a job that contributes significantly to her sense of self-worth. When the Washingtons arrive, Amanda immediately mistrusts them because she has racist preconceptions about race that lead her to believe a black couple could not be wealthy enough to own such a nice home. When she does come around to believing they are the homeowners, she immediately begins to feel like she is in competition with them to prove her own class status. She is uncomfortable with the realization that the Washingtons live in an upscale Manhattan neighborhood, while her family lives in Brooklyn. Amanda and Clay both find it challenging to adapt to their circumstances...