Benedict Stone

Benedict Stone is an average, overweight, forty-four year-old everyday kind of man who owns and operates Stone Jewelry. His name is a play on Benedictine monks, who are very simple about their lives through their Christian faith. Benedict begins the novel saddened as his wife, Estelle, has left him because she does not want to adopt children. Benedict is initially unnerved by Gemma’s arrival at his door, but soon opens up to her and befriends her. Gemma becomes Benedict’s ally in trying to win Estelle back. It also gives Benedict the chance to make things right with Charlie almost two decades after sleeping with Charlie’s then-girlfriend, Amelia. Benedict also manages to patch up things with Estelle.

Gemma Stone

Gemma Stone is Benedict’s sixteen year-old American niece. Her name is a play on “gem stone.” Gemma is the daughter of Charlie and the niece...