her appearance. Arvay is insecure about other's perceptions of her, another recurring theme in the novel as she tries to overcome it. Believing that no one loves her, and that those who show love to her are feigning, she fakes seizures in an attempt to push potential suitors away. Thus, she was led to turn her back on the world for five, claiming that she would become a missionary. After introducing Arvay, the narrative shifts perspectives and briefly documents the sudden arrival of Jim Meserve, Arvay's soon-to-be husband, to the desolate town of Sawley. Jim is described as being a shrewd businessman, managing to wedge a foot in Sawley's turpentine business soon after his arrival. It is soon revealed that Jim has been courting Arvay, despite her objection. Jim's behavior towards Arvay is problematic. He holds misogynistic views and teases Arvay for her ignorance and simplicity. Jim assaults Arvay, which leads them to elope soon after. Jim takes Arvay to live on his turpentine camp, where she becomes acquainted with Joe and his family – African American workers under Jim's employment. Soon after Arvay gives birth to their first son, Earl, the small family moves to South Florida, settling in Citrabelle. Although Joe initially struggles to earn money, he manages to put a foot in the citrus business, then eventually gets into the illegal business of alcohol distillery, where he soon amasses a fortune. Once Arvay and Jim build their house, their second child, Angeline Meserve is born. The Meserve's home life continues to be turbulent. Jim feels as if Arvay is too ignorant to understand how much he struggles for them. At the same time, Arvay feels a wedge between them as a result of Jim's coldness towards Earl versus his affection towards Angeline. As a result, their marriage is fraught with misunderstanding, distrust, and jealousy. The Meserve family live comfortably; then Joe, his wife, and their children soon arrive and are employed by Jim to take care of the estate. Soon after, their son, Kenneth "Kenny" Meserve is born. Though Jim is incredibly fond of Arvay, the birth of their daughter doesn't mend their relationship completely. A few years later, Jim and Joe manage to amass a fortune; however, Jim starts to look for a legal source of income. Despite ongoing strife between him and Arvay and Joe's departure from the estate, Jim continues to work hard to