head up to meet with Jim at a shipping dock. When they meet, Jim warmly greets Arvay and brings her aboard one of his fishing boats, which he had named Arvay Henson. The pair reconcile on the boat, sleeping together in the cabin. The novel ends with Arvay introspecting on her life. She finds comfort in being with Jim, despite his abusive and manipulative behavior. The book closes with her sleeping next to Jim, sailing on the ocean. Characters Arvay Henson: The younger daughter of Maria and Brock Henson, Arvay is described as being introverted and odd. She is described as being skinny, a trait found unattractive by the people of Sawley, with her only source of comfort being the pages of a Bible. Therefore, she is generally insecure and places much of her self-worth on the perceptions held by others. She grew up alone in poverty in the barren town of Sawley in West Florida, before being wedded to Jim Meserve and moving to the clandestine Citrabelle. Although she is initially hesitant to marry Jim, and the marriage does indeed turn out to be turbulent, through its trials she eventually discovers her value as a woman and wife. She discovers her worth as a mother, giving her children the childhood she never had. Arvay is an unorthodox feminist, and although believing that she deserves to be on equal terms with her husband, she finds solace in staying with him despite his harsh treatment of her. Jim Meserve: Jim Meserve is Arvay's husband. He appears in Sawley out of the blue one day having traveled throughout the South, and he makes it his mission to court the timid Arvay. Jim holds some misogynistic views towards women and believes that Arvay, much like most other women, is ignorant and simple. Despite this, however, he works hard, moving his family to Citrabelle. He joins the citrus business, distills alcohol during the prohibition, and later joins the shrimping business. Despite his problematic behavior towards Arvay, he manages to become wildly successful and demonstrates a knack for hard work and resilience. Larraine "Raine" Henson: Larraine is Arvay's older sister and the source of her sister's antagonism throughout some of the novel. Larraine is described as being the favorite child of the Hensons, always being treated better by her parents and by the people of Sawley. Due to her beauty and the attention she receives,