Them is the story of Loretta Wendall and two of her children, Jules and Maureen, and their struggles with poverty and violence which negatively impact their lives causing a cycle of hatred and despair. The story takes place in Detroit, Michigan, from the years 1937 to 1967. As the novel begins, Loretta is a girl of 16 who lives with an unemployed, alcoholic father and anti-social older brother. Loretta's mother had been institutionalized for mental health issues and died several years ago. Loretta is a continual optimist despite her circumstances and feels the excitement of potential always around the next corner. (read more)
