Lynette

Lynette is the main character of the novel. In the novel's narrative present, she is 30 years old and living with her mother, Doreen, and brother, Kenny in her childhood home in Portland, Oregon. When Lynette was 16, she ran away from home after her mother's ex-boyfriend, Randy, tried molesting her. Convinced that her mother loved Randy more than her, Lynette did not feel capable of telling Doreen the truth. She began wandering the city, and spending time in a local thrift store. Eventually the owner, JJ, noticed her need. He gave her a job, and let her stay at his place. While there, Lynette started smoking and drinking. She also had several sexual relationships with JJ and his friends. During this period, she fell into deep depression.

Once she finally returned home, her depression had not improved. It was not until Doreen begged her to help her, that Lynette...