Characters
This character was May’s twin and died years before the book takes place.
April
The Wailing Wall is represented by this theme, as it carries the burdens and prayers of May
Sadness / Loss / Grief
This theme is represented when Lily finally speaks the truth of what happened to her, reflecting on who she was with August, and who she is becoming
Identity
True or False: T-Ray is a loving person
FALSE
This character feels emotions very deeply and often will go to the Wailing Wall to process these emotions.
May
This theme is represented when Zach is wrongfully jailed for assaulting a police officer.
Discrimination & Prejudice
This theme is represented very often by the Daughters of Mary when they support each other.
Community
What are the Daughters of Mary?
A religious group that worships the Our Lady of Chains statue that belongs to the Boatwright sisters.
This character took care of both Lily and Deborah.
August
This theme is represented when August and June begin to refer to Rosaleen as “July”.
Family
This theme is represented by the many times Lily tries to “keep her story straight” when meeting new people in Tiburon.
Secrets
What does Lily want to be when she grows up?
A writer, teacher, and beekeeper
This character wants to be a lawyer.
Zach
This theme is represented by Lily’s choice to live a good life with the Boatwright sisters, despite what has happened to her at a young age with the loss of her mother.
Life & Death
What is the significance of the Black Madonna statue that the Boatwright sisters worship?
It represents the Virgin Mary
What is the setting?
South Carolina. 1964.
This character is the man who brutally attacked Rosaleen after she poured her snuff on him.
Franklin Posey
This theme is represented when the Daughters of Mary come together for the celebration of what is lovingly referred to as “Mary Day”.
Religion
What happened on July 2nd, 1964?
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law.
This character died before the novel began, but drives the plot and main themes to be discovered by the readers
Deborah (Lily's Mom)