Villa Aestas

The Villa Aestas, where both Emily and Mari stay for a summer, is symbolic of history and memory. The villa inspires both women to write, and to consider the ways in which physical settings connect one to former lives and stories. For Emily, the house is a literal gateway and map to Mari's life and story.

Lilith Rising

Mari's novel Lilith Rising is symbolic of expression. For the first time in her life, Mari feels a sense of comfort, stability, and actualization while working on the novel. When Emily reads the novel years later, she discerns the ways in which the book was a manifestation of Mari's true self and true experiences in 1974.

The Villa Novel

The Villa novel Emily is working on throughout the novel is a symbol of success. Throughout the process, Emily convinces herself that the project is helping her reconnect with...