Plot Development
Frank escapes from this type of institution at the start of the novel
What is a psychiatric hospital?
Frank escapes from a psychiatric hospital in this northwestern city.
What is Seattle?
Frank suffers from this condition, often experiencing "the loudness" in his head.
What is PTSD?
Frank's escape from the hospital sets this central plot in motion.
What is his journey to save Cee?
Cee takes a job with Dr. Beau working as this.
What is a helper or assistant?
Frank and Cee grew up in this small, poor town in Georgia.
What is Lotus?
Frank and Cee share this traumatic childhood memory of seeing men bury something.
What is a dead body?
Cee's marriage to Prince is based on this, which drives much of her conflict.
What is deception or false love?
This character not only helps Frank get clothes and shoes but also risks his own safety by hiding him from the police.
Who is Billy?
Cee moves to this Georgia city, where she is abandoned by her husband
What is Atlanta?
Frank often has nightmares about these two friends who died in the war.
who are Mike and Stuff?
Frank's internal conflict is mainly with this, stemming from his war experiences.
What is guilt or PTSD?
This character helps Frank by giving him food, money, and a place to stay after his escape, despite having very little to give.
Who is Reverend Locke?
Dr. Beau lives and works in this wealthy neighborhood near Atlanta.
What is Buckhead?
Frank tries to escape his painful memories by using this substance.
What is alcohol or whiskey?
Cee's conflict with Dr. Beau arises from this fundamental power imbalance.
What is exploitation or racism?
This character gives Frank specific instructions and a list of contacts to help him continue his journey south.
Who is Reverend Maynard?
Frank meets Lily outside this type of business.
What is a dry cleaner's?
Frank's memory of the horses is beautiful, but he has forgotten this more disturbing part of the same event.
What is the buried body?
Frank is racing south to save Cee from this unclear but threatening situation with her new employer.
What is a dangerous or suspicious job with Dr. Beau?