Broken Bayou

Krystal Lynn’s red convertible is at the heart of the novel’s suspenseful narrative, but it also has an important symbolic function. It represents The Psychological Impact of Secrets: Like the submerged car, secrets in the world of Broken Bayou are always present even when out of sight, and they never stay buried for long. The bright red convertible is loud and flashy, so it is a striking image and easily recognizable symbol. The novel is peppered with mentions of the convertible, and it makes frequent appearances both in the story’s present and in its flashbacks. The red convertible is also a complex and nuanced symbol: It speaks to multiple axes of deception and a series of dark, buried secrets. Initially, the convertible represents Willa’s fear that her role in her mother’s insurance scheme will be uncovered. Because she is already mired in a large public scandal, she worries that widespread knowledge that she was once an accessory to a serious crime will further derail her career. Because Willa’s career problems impact her mental health, the personal implications for her are even greater. However, as Willa uncovers more of the truth about the convertible, it becomes evident that its secrets are far greater than Willa previously realized.