How Far She Went

It is time for the annual Inglish family reunion, “just like always” (60), except that a writer, Paul Montgomery, visits the town to interview Uncle Cleveland Inglish, the family patriarch. The subject of his article is a famous, deceased writer whose home sits near the Inglish homestead. He is guided around town by the protagonist—Elizabeth Inglish, the quintessential country girl, who is described at the outset as “a barefoot girl with a flat-top guitar” often found sitting on the porch (49).

The reunion ensues, with music and food and all the Southern comforts and traditions carried through generations. Elizabeth chooses her beau-to-be, Johnny Calhoun, when Johnny gifts her a music box. Montgomery leaves town, and shortly after his publication, the family finds that the story has inspired a number of tourists to drive by. When they do, they often find Elizabeth on the same porch, guitar in hand.