Eloe, Louisiana

Eloe, Louisiana is Roy’s hometown and the town where he is arrested and tried for rape. Eloe is portrayed as a relatively poor and rural area. For example, Big Roy and Olive have no cell reception where they live. Moreover, Louisiana is described as a state plagued by racism, ignorance and xenophobia. It is mentioned more than once that Roy likely lost his defense in Louisiana when he would have won it in a different state with less prejudiced judges and juries. Nonetheless, Roy feels deep respect and reverence for Eloe, which he considers home. His mother is buried there and, one day, Big Roy will be buried there too. Roy realizes by the end of the novel that, after years of running away from his home and searching out new people and places, he wants to remain in Eloe for the rest of his life...