Where the Heart Is | Objects, Setting & Important Places

Where the Heart Is Objects/Places

Wal-Mart

A real store, Wal-Mart is where Willy Jack leaves Novalee. Novalee lives and gives birth there and meets good friends there. She becomes an employee.

Buckeye tree

Benny gives Novalee the buckeye tree for good luck. Novalee plants it on Sister's property, which eventually becomes her property. Looking for a book on the tree is how she meets Forney. The tree does bring her good luck, and its health reflects Novalee's position in life.

Library

Forney works and lives in the library because of his sister's alcoholism. Novalee meets him there, and he gives Novalee her first birthday party there. The library books are part of Novalee's education. The library catches on fire and kills Forney's sister.

Sister Husband's trailer

Although Novalee does not want to live in a trailer, she has to go there after Americus is born. This is Novalee's first real home. It is destroyed in a tornado.

Novalee's house

Novalee builds her house on...
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