A Town Called Solace

Clara is an eight-year-old girl and one of the book’s protagonists. At the beginning, Clara is dealing with the triple anxiety of her sister’s disappearance, Mrs. Orchard’s lengthy absence, and Liam’s unexpected arrival at Mrs. Orchard’s house.

Clara is a serious, introspective young child who is deeply impacted by the immediate events in her life. She does not have enough information about the circumstances and does not feel like she can trust the adults in her life, which heightens her sense of instability. She withdraws in response to the stress, both unable and unwilling to share her thoughts and emotions with the people around her. Her teacher tells her parents that Clara has not shown any emotion following Rose’s disappearance and is not interacting as much with her friends. To self-soothe, Clara turns to performing a strict set of rituals that she believes will ensure her sister’s return: She keeps a constant vigil at the living room window, she counts her steps to school, and she tries to brush her teeth in a certain way.

Clara is also extremely responsible, as demonstrated in her dedicated care of Moses. Clara carries out this duty without the need for any reminders, and she is determined to continue even when Liam’s arrival presents a potential obstacle.