Content Warning: This section of the guide refers to depression and mental illness, which are depicted in the novel.

The novel’s protagonist, Agnes Lee, is an octogenarian who has lived a full and meaningful life as the author of a popular children’s book series, When Nan. Born into a wealthy family descended from Quakers, Agnes values the natural world and its plant and animal life. She believes deeply in preserving the habitat on Fellowship Point known as the Sanctuary in order to protect the animals, like the eagle, who make their homes there. Although she inherited a stately home on the peninsula, she prioritizes preservation over tradition and familial legacy. Throughout the novel, Agnes reflects on her upbringing: Her father encouraged her intellect and independence, while her mother valued propriety and adherence to social and class norms. Deeply opposed to the construct of marriage, Agnes remains unmarried, finding fulfillment in the intellectual endeavors of authorship. Although the When Nan books are highly praised, Agnes also writes a series, the Franklin Square books, which trace the lives of five female friends throughout their lives. Agnes publishes the latter series under a pseudonym, keeping her authorship a complete secret, even from those closest to her.