Jenkinsville, Arkansas

The main setting of the novel, Jenkinsville is a small southern town, predominantly white and Christian, with a population of marginalized and segregated African Americans who mostly serve white families as maids, gardeners, porters, and the like. Racial prejudice is common and those who are different are often targeted for harassment.

Books and Words

Books are important to Patty, and she buys them with the money her grandmother gives her. Patty often memorizes words from the dictionary. Her vocabulary gives her a sense of power. Patty manipulates words as she daydreams, and as she tells her outrageous lies. Anton’s words of encouragement and advice help heal Patty’s fragile esteem, and he also shares with her a book of Emerson’s essays. Patty’s words, in conjunction with her curiosity, give her the aptitude to become a journalist. She puts these words to use when...