Content Warning: This section discusses racism and violence characteristic of the Jim Crow era, violence against children, child death and murder, institutional abuse, sexual harassment and abuse of minors, and offensive language.

The novel begins in the summer of 1950 outside Gracetown, Florida. Twelve-year-old Robert “Robbie” Stephens, Jr., wants to see his mother’s ghost but barely catches a glimpse of her before she disappears. Robbie lives in his family’s ancestral cabin with his older sister, Gloria. Their father works in Chicago and sends them money and other gifts.

That day, Robbie receives a pair of boots from his father, but they are too big for him. Gloria had deliberately asked their father for a bigger pair so that Robbie would grow into them, but Robbie is disappointed. They walk to school, passing by the McCormack turpentine camp. One of the McCormack boys, Lyle, calls out to Robbie, asking him why he doesn’t go swimming with them anymore. Robbie tells him that they are too busy, so Lyle invites him and Gloria to join them again. Gloria reiterates Robbie’s answer. Lyle follows them and flirts with Gloria. When he pushes Robbie away, Robbie kicks at him.