Coming of Age

The novel portrays an extremely formative year in the life of its narrator, Mary Alice, and several elements in the novel emphasize the notion that Mary Alice is growing up and becoming a woman during the course of the novel.

Mary Alice herself comes to Grandma's town dreading her time there and confused and fearful of Grandma Dowdel. She dismisses the town as a hick town that is not worth her time, and she can't envision spending time there without her brother Joey to keep her company. By the end, Mary Alice not only understands Grandma, but she loves her dearly and does not want to leave. Grandma forcing Mary Alice to leave is the girl's final step of maturation. By the end, Mary Alice also gains an appreciation for small town values, such as looking out for one's neighbor and living simply and within one's...