Stiltsville by Susanna Daniel

The provided text consists of excerpts from the novel Stiltsville by Susanna Daniel, which details the life and relationships of the narrator, Frances, over several decades in Miami. The narrative focuses heavily on her complex romance with Dennis, starting with their initial meeting and culminating in their life together, marriage, and eventually, his struggle with an illness. Central to the story is their connection to Stiltsville, a community of houses built on stilts in Biscayne Bay, which serves as a backdrop for both carefree youth and later, a symbol of loss after Hurricane Andrew. The excerpts also explore Frances's relationships with close friends like Marse and Dennis's sister Bette, and chronicle the journey of her daughter, Margo, into adulthood, juxtaposing moments of joy and domesticity with challenging events like infidelity, family illness, and regional disasters.