The novel's opening chapter focuses on Pearl Tull and the scars left by her failed marriage. ... After Beck left her, Pearl's determination (perhaps even stubbornness) willed her on, amidst the emotional debris; however things only got harder for the Tull family. ... Pearl was very conscious of the way her family was viewed by others and throughout her life strived to create the appearance of a happy family' (pg 9). ... However, Pearl's biting accusations that Jenny was a piece of trash' a tramp' and loved Josiah to spite her quickly dismissed this fantasy. ......

• Word Count: 950
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate