New Jersey

New Jersey is where the story first takes place. While Turtle does not spend much time in New Jersey where the books starts it is symbolic of the life and the memories she tries to hold onto in the beginning half of the book. Many times Turtle will experience something in Key West to which she will immediately think back and compare to an experience she had in New Jersey. Turtle’s mother also still resides in New Jersey working as a housemaid until the last two chapters of the book only occasionally sending letters or making a call to her daughter. This setting serves as a security blanket of sorts and represents the known for Turtle. Back here Turtle had her mother to rely on for support and the lifestyle was considerably easier in New Jersey than it is in Key West.

Key West

Key West...