Zebulon County

The story takes place in Zebulon County, Iowa.

Larry Cook's 1000-Acre Farm

Larry owns one thousand acres of farmland and divides it between his two oldest daughters.

Harold’s Red Tractor

Harold’s new red tractor pushes Larry to give his children his land.

Monopoly

Ginny, Ty, Rose, Pete, and Jess play nightly Monopoly games. The game is a metaphor for the way the characters covet land and money.

The Picture of the Unknown Baby

Ginny notices a picture of a baby at her father’s house, though she doesn’t know who the baby in the photo is.

The Remains of Ginny’s Fifth Baby

Ginny buries the remains of her fifth miscarried child in the dirt underneath the barn.

Legal Papers

The family uses legal papers to divide the land. Then legal papers are used to sue Ginny and Rose. Legal papers are also...