Sara Louise Bradshaw, affectionately called Louise, resides with her father, Truitt, a dedicated waterman; her mother, Susan, once a schoolteacher; her stern paternal grandmother; and her twin, the captivating Caroline. Louise ventures "progging" for crabs with her companion McCall Purnell, known as Call, immerses herself in global events, fantasizes about romance and valor, and wrestles with jealousy towards her gifted, enchanting sister. The reappearance of Captain Hiram Wallace, a man who left Rass in disgrace half a century ago, the shocking attack on Pearl Harbor, and the war that follows, alongside Louise's youthful quests and desires, heighten her rivalry with Caroline.

With the exception of Joseph Wojtkiewicz, the man who becomes Louise's husband, and a chauvinistic college advisor with a penchant for pipes, the key figures in Jacob Have I Loved inhabit Rass Island. The narrative unfolds with dual voices: the older, reflective Louise reminiscing on her stormy past from a perspective of wellness and success, and the younger Louise navigating the turbulent waters of her childhood emotions. Through Louise's eyes, every portrayal—especially of Caroline—is tinged with her own prejudices. To Louise, Caroline appears vain, self-centered, and demanding, draining the family emotionally and financially. Caroline, however, takes pride in her talents and occasionally mocks those less gifted, but she deeply cares for her family and sister, radiating with assured happiness and the love she receives.

Louise shares a simpler, more straightforward affection for her father. Truitt Bradshaw, a reserved, devoted, diligent waterman, perseveres "following the water" despite a war injury that left him with a limp. His melodies accompany the oysters he gathers, and some of Louise's most joyous times are spent fishing alongside him after Caroline departs for school and Call joins the navy.

Susan Bradshaw, a woman of intellect and gentleness, remains a puzzle to her daughter. Louise struggles to fathom why Susan chose to marry the unlearned Truitt or how she endures her contentious, bothersome mother-in-law. When Louise finally broaches these topics with her mother, Susan reveals her youthful dream of moving to Paris to pen poetry. Unable to chase this fantasy, she opted to teach at Rass, envisioning the secluded island as a writer's refuge. Once settled, she fell for Truitt and decided to remain on the island. As Louise chooses to wed the humble Joseph and settle in a secluded Appalachian valley akin to Rass, she gains a deeper understanding of her mother's choices.

Grandmother Bradshaw, during Louise's teenage years, presents as a twisted, spiteful invalid, latching onto the family with her own warped version of Methodism. She wields the Bible as a weapon, launching barbs at Louise's innocent mother and taunting Louise for her fondness for Captain Wallace. Hiding behind the biblical demand for children to honor parents, she targets those she should cherish. When she quotes, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated," Louise feels unfairly judged by her family, friends, and even by God. Her grandmother reveals a lifelong, pitiful infatuation with Captain Wallace, briefly earning sympathy. Otherwise, she serves as a cautionary figure, warning Louise against letting bitterness twist her life. Captain Wallace, once a young man fleeing Rass due to embarrassment, returns wiser and becomes a mentor to Caroline, Louise, and Call. Providing financial support for Caroline's mainland music education, he bolsters Louise's resolve to carve her own path beyond Rass. He provides the male role model absent from Call's life, his friendship empowering Call to assist Mr. Bradshaw, enlist in the navy, and thrive beyond the island's confines.

Caroline's challenging birth, frail childhood, and radiant talent evoke fears for her delicacy among her parents and admirers. Louise,...