Content Warning: This section of the guide describes the novel’s treatment of substance misuse disorders, mental health conditions, death by suicide, child abuse, domestic abuse, and racism.

“She’s smiling that smile they smile before they grow bosoms.”

This phrase, which comes from Teensy, reflects the matter-of-fact tone and dry humor of her character. Additionally, it acts as a comment on the changes that girls go through as they become women; their priorities shift to impressing men instead of themselves. Vivi wonders if she will ever smile that way again, or if it’s something a woman can never get back.

“All of us, so interwoven, so braided, growing up Ya-Ya in that backwater, third tier state, where our families were the haut monde, their sins charming and mostly unnamed.”

Throughout the novel, there is a profound contrast between the lavish lifestyle of the Ya-Yas and their families and the natural, ancient land around them. These wealthy families have an impressive social life and insist on keeping up appearances. The use of the French term “haut monde” (“high society” in English) is an example of how Louisianian culture is a blend of several settlers and Indigenous people and has attained its own unique flavor.

“I live in an ocean of smell, and the ocean is my mother.”

In this metaphor, Sidda recalls moments of her childhood through smell, which is a powerful motivator for memories. As a child, her world was filled with sensory images, and Sidda can still recall how her mother smelled. When Sidda goes to visit Vivi in the novel’s conclusion, she once again smells this familiar scent and feels completely at home.