Second First Impressions

Ruthie Midona is the novel’s protagonist, a round and dynamic character whose journey from a state of self-imposed stagnation to one of hopeful risk taking forms the central arc of the narrative. At 25, Ruthie lives a life she admits is more suited to someone decades older, stating, “I live and work in a retirement villa. At this rate I’ll retire here, too” (4). Her existence is governed by a rigid adherence to routine and a deep-seated anxiety about the world beyond the gates of the Providence Retirement Villa. This cautious nature is a direct consequence of a past trauma involving a church fund theft for which she was publicly shamed, an event that stripped her of her college fund and her confidence. As a result, she has constructed a sheltered life where safety is paramount, a need for control illustrated by the recurring motif of her checklists and security protocols. The endangered golden bonnet tortoises at Providence, with their slow pace and protective shells, serve as a potent symbol for Ruthie’s own guarded and deliberate existence, which she must learn to step out of in order to grow.

Ruthie’s character is defined by a trio of interconnected traits: She is cautious, caring, and possesses a deeply internalized sense of low self-worth.