She kept working at it, patiently, assiduously, trying to find ways to let her people know that she heard them, that she saw them, that she wanted to help. They might take her for granted; they might leave her empty all through the winter, letting mice chew through her insulation to make nests inside her walls, but she cared for them, and always would.
-- The Cape Cod House (Prologue)

Importance: This is a unique form of personification for the Cape Cod beach house owned by Sarah’s mother. The house, which is referred to as she throughout the novel, is interesting because its characterization is meant as a metaphor for Ronnie’s attempts to bring her family together. The house represents memories and generations of family all brought together throughout the years. However, Ronnie’s decision to sell it as she reaches old age represents how the family itself seems to be falling apart the more...