Miracles on Maple Hill

Humans find a strong sense of identity in the places they live. Towns, neighborhoods, and even homes play a pivotal role in a person’s sense of self. In her novel, Miracles at Maple Hill, Virginia Sorensen uses the small town of Maple Hill to create a sense of identity for the main characters and symbolize the power of memory, community, and renewal. The novel opens with Marly begging her mother to retell her favorite story about Grandma. Maple Hill is an important part of Lee’s identity as she holds fond memories of her time spent there with Grandma. She has passed along those memories to her daughter, and Marly feels as though Maple Hill is a part of her as well. Mother remembers Maple Hill with a sense of nostalgia and wonderment as she states, “I was certain that Maple Hill was the place where all the miracles had happened” (12). The family arrives at Maple Hill hopeful that it is still a place where miracles are possible. As the family settles in, everything about Maple Hill is new to Marly, Joe, and Daddy. However, every inch of the house and property stirs up memories for Lee.