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.
Loretta, with her long blonde hair and thin waist, is particularly pleased with her looks. Although she is not seeing any one boy in particular.....
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