In the novel Shelter, Jayne Anne Phillips has chosen to balance four points of view, describing the events of this novel as they are experienced and reflected upon by Lenny, Alma, and Buddy (in eleven sections each) and by Parson (in ten sections). Of the other major characters, Carmody seems too angry and inarticulate to express himself, and Delia has retreated into passivity in order to escape the pain of her father's death.

Lenny Swenson, the first character introduced, is a fifteen year old Girl Guide at Camp Shelter. Since this year is probably her last as camper, she lives in one of the tents at the upper fringe of the camp. In this section of the camp, called Highest, the campers are given little direct supervision; so she and Cap have little difficulty sneaking away to go skinny-dipping in Turtle Hollow, the forbidden swimming hole.

Poised on...