Queenie Bean

Queenie is the novel's central character and narrator. She is in her early twenties, has married into a relatively wealthy family, is unable to bear children as the result of complications from a miscarriage, and in spite of her marriage being a happy and respectful one, still craves friendship. Her best friend Ruby having disappeared, she eagerly latches on to new arrival Rita, determined to both be a good friend and see Rita as a good friend herself.

Queenie portrays herself in narration as essentially moral and goodhearted, although she is subject to all-too human fears and apprehensions, particularly when it comes to strangers. These fears are amplified when she and Rita are the victims of a sexually violent night-time assault, but through the efforts of Queenie's loving husband Grover, the women of the Persian Pickle Club, and the mysterious but friendly strangers who make their home...