In Barbara Kingsolver’s novel, Lou Ann Ruiz is portrayed as being warm, motherly, and self-effacing while Taylor Greer is adventurous and confident. The two women become good housemates because neither of them is self-sufficient so each needs a reliable person with whom to have a positive relationship. In addition, their personalities and needs are complementary.

One thing that both unites the women and reveals their differences is their children. Lou Ann, who was formerly married, has been raising her child on her own, while Taylor has impulsively acquired a baby to whom she is not related and is informally fostering. Lou Ann’s nurturing qualities enable her to assume daily childcare for Taylor’s foster child, Turtle, as well as her son, Dwayne Ray.

Beyond caring for the children, however, Lou Ann influences Taylor to become a more responsible adult who more carefully considers the consequences of her actions, especially in regard to Turtle’s long-term welfare. In return, Taylor’s confidence motivates Lou Ann to think more of her own abilities and talents.