Laurel Hand, the main character of the novel, lives in Chicago, but is now traveling in New Orleans. She is there because he older father is sick, and needs an operation on his eye. However, it is likely that her father will not get better anytime soon, and will have to stay there for several months.
Normally, one visiting a city as vibrant as New Orleans would spend their time by seeing all of the sights there. However, Laurel begins to become more acquainted with her stepmother. Laurel's father and her stepmother married after she had already moved out of the house, and the two had never really gotten a chance to talk before now. It is indeed true that illness and death bring families closer together.
The stepmother's name is Fay, and she becomes extremely saddened when her husband passes away unexpectedly one day. She confesses to others that she was cheating on him, stealing his money, and secretly hoping he would die soon.
After the death, the two women travel to Mississippi, where Laurel grew up. She visits her childhood home, which reminds her of great times and memories with her father. However, Fay seems to act very selfishly, condescending every memory that Laurel brings up.
Laurel leaves the town and returns to Chicago. She realizes, after the death and meeting her stepmother, that life is beautiful despite its flaws. Through these experiences, she gains a new understanding of herself and her surroundings.
