“We're going to find her. We're going to get to her.”
— Dicey assuring her younger siblings about finding their grandmother.
Archivist's Choice
Homecoming
Cynthia Voigt (1981)
Genre
Literary Fiction / Historical Fiction / Romance
Reading Time
8-10 hours
Key Themes
See below
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Abandoned by their mother, four siblings embark on a desperate, cross-country journey to find a place to belong, only to uncover a deeper history that reshapes their understanding of family and home.
Synopsis
Four Tillerman children—Dicey, James, Maybeth, and Sammy—are abandoned by their mentally ill mother in a car in a Connecticut shopping mall parking lot. Dicey, the eldest at thirteen, takes charge. She decides they must walk to their Great-aunt Cilla's house in Bridgeport. On their difficult journey, they face hunger, fear, and the kindness and cruelty of strangers, relying only on Dicey's quick thinking and their bond as siblings. In Bridgeport, they find Great-aunt Cilla has died. Her daughter, Eunice, a well-meaning but distant woman, takes them in. However, Eunice's strictness and the children's longing for true family drive them to leave again. They begin an even longer trip south to Crisfield, Maryland, to find their grandmother, Abigail Tillerman, whom they've been told is eccentric and possibly dangerous. They arrive to find Abigail living alone on a rundown farm. She is initially unwelcoming, hardened by her past. Through their persistence, hard work, and the slow revealing of their family's tragic history, the children gradually break through Abigail's defenses, forming a new, unconventional family unit and finding a sense of belonging and home.
Reading time
8-10 hours
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Resilient, Poignant, Hopeful, Melancholy, Heartwarming
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy classic coming-of-age stories about resilience, family bonds, and the journey of self-discovery, with strong character development and a focus on overcoming adversity.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fast-paced plots with high-stakes external conflicts, or find stories about child abandonment and poverty too difficult to read.
Plot Summary
The Abandonment
The Tillerman children—Dicey, James, Maybeth, and Sammy—are abandoned by their mentally ill mother, Liza, in a shopping center parking lot in a small Connecticut town. Liza tells Dicey, the eldest at thirteen, to wait in the car with her siblings while she runs an errand, but she never returns. Dicey realizes their situation is serious. She tries to maintain a sense of normalcy for her younger siblings, especially the quiet and musical Maybeth, and the rebellious Sammy. After several hours, with their mother still absent, Dicey knows they cannot stay in the car forever. They must find a safe place.
The Road to Bridgeport
With no money, no food, and only the address of their estranged Great-aunt Cilla in Bridgeport, Dicey decides they must walk there. She carefully plans their route using a map she finds. She tries to keep her siblings' spirits up, despite their growing tiredness and hunger. Their journey has many challenges, including sleeping outdoors, facing suspicious strangers, and navigating busy roads. James, the intellectual one, tries to provide logic. Maybeth's quiet nature and Sammy's impulsiveness add to Dicey's responsibility. They learn to rely on each other, searching for food and water.
The Farm Stop
Tired and starving, the Tillerman children find a farm owned by a kind, elderly man named Mr. Lingerle. He first mistakes them for runaways. Seeing their desperate state, he offers them food and shelter in his barn. Dicey, cautious but thankful, agrees to help him with farm chores in exchange for their stay. This short break allows the children to rest and regain some strength. Mr. Lingerle, a widower, recognizes their intelligence and resilience, especially Dicey's. He provides them with a much-needed sense of security, if only for a short time. He also notices Maybeth's musical talent.
Aunt Cilla's House
After leaving Mr. Lingerle's farm, the children continue their journey to Bridgeport. When they finally reach the address, they face a difficult truth: Great-aunt Cilla has recently died. The house is now occupied by Cilla's daughter, Eunice, a strict and religious woman who is completely unprepared and unwilling to take on four children. Eunice, a distant cousin, is overwhelmed by their sudden appearance. She sees them more as a burden than family. The children again face uncertainty, their hope of a stable home broken by this news and Eunice's cold welcome.
Life with Eunice
Eunice reluctantly takes the children in, but their life with her is joyless and restrictive. She imposes strict rules, focusing heavily on religious observance and denying them any personal freedom or comfort. Dicey struggles to keep her siblings from rebelling against Eunice's rigid control, especially Sammy, who dislikes the restrictions. Maybeth, already shy, becomes even more withdrawn. James tries to find comfort in books. Dicey realizes that Eunice, while providing a roof, cannot offer the love, understanding, or stability they need. The children feel like outsiders in their own 'home'.
The Search for Another Home
Unable to bear the unhappy atmosphere at Eunice's, and knowing their cousin cannot truly care for them, Dicey decides they must leave. She remembers her mother mentioning a grandmother in Crisfield, Maryland. Despite the great distance and the unknown welcome they might face, Dicey sees this as their only choice to stay together and find a real home. She secretly plans their escape, gathering what little they have and preparing her siblings for another long and dangerous journey. Dicey's strong will to protect her family drives this decision.
The Journey South
The children leave Bridgeport, heading south towards Crisfield, Maryland. This part of their journey is even harder than the first. They hitchhike, walk for miles, and face constant hunger and exposure. Dicey's resourcefulness is tested as she navigates unfamiliar places and deals with various strangers, some kind, some suspicious. The siblings grow closer, their bond strengthening through shared hardship. Maybeth's singing becomes a comfort. Sammy's defiant spirit proves useful at times. James's quiet observations help Dicey make decisions, showing their evolving teamwork.
Crisfield and the Tillerman Farm
Finally reaching Crisfield, Maryland, the children find the Tillerman farm. They find a dilapidated, rundown house and a stern, elderly woman named Abigail Tillerman, their grandmother. Abigail is initially unwelcoming. She has isolated herself for years after a family tragedy. She is shocked by their sudden appearance and says she will not take them in, stating she is too old and set in her ways. The farm itself shows her neglect. Dicey, however, sees potential and refuses to give up, determined to convince her grandmother to let them stay and prove their worth.
Winning Over Abigail
Dicey, with her usual resilience, begins to take charge, cleaning the house and tending to the neglected garden. Her siblings follow, each helping in their own way. Maybeth's quiet singing and gentle nature, Sammy's energetic help, and James's thoughtful presence slowly begin to soften Abigail's hardened exterior. Abigail, despite her initial resistance, observes their hard work, self-sufficiency, and their deep love for each other. She sees reflections of her own past and the family she thought she had lost, starting to feel more kindly towards them.
Unraveling the Past
As the children settle in, Abigail gradually shares information about the Tillerman family's tragic past. She explains that her husband left her, and her son, their mother Liza's father, drowned years ago. This led to Liza's own emotional fragility and eventual breakdown. She reveals that Liza was institutionalized for a time, and that the family had been ostracized by the community. This explanation helps Dicey understand her mother's actions and the weight of their family history. The children begin to understand the roots of their own struggles and the reasons for their grandmother's bitterness and isolation.
The Custody Battle
The authorities, alerted to the children's situation, begin proceedings to determine their custody. A social worker visits the farm, assessing Abigail's ability to care for the four children. Abigail, despite her growing affection for her grandchildren, struggles to express her feelings and her capacity to provide a suitable home. Dicey, fiercely protective of her family, advocates for her grandmother, testifying to their bond and the strength of their new family unit. The children's strong desire to stay together and their obvious well-being on the farm become central to their case.
A New Beginning
In a court hearing, the judge, moved by the children's testimony and the visible changes in Abigail and the farm, grants Abigail Tillerman legal custody of her grandchildren. This decision marks a turning point for the Tillerman family. They have found a permanent home, a loving guardian, and a place where they can finally belong. The dilapidated farm begins to become a functional home, a result of their resilience and the power of family. Dicey, having led them through many challenges, can finally begin to embrace her own childhood while still holding onto her role as protector.
Principal Figures
Dicey Tillerman
The Protagonist
Dicey transforms from a burdened child forced into adulthood to a young woman who learns to share her responsibilities and trust in others, finding a home where she can finally be herself.
James Tillerman
The Supporting
James learns to express his feelings more openly and finds a sense of belonging where his intellectual curiosity is valued.
Maybeth Tillerman
The Supporting
Maybeth, initially withdrawn, slowly finds her voice and confidence through her music and the love of her family.
Sammy Tillerman
The Supporting
Sammy learns to channel his energy constructively and finds a secure place where his wild spirit can thrive.
Abigail Tillerman
The Supporting
Abigail transforms from a reclusive, bitter woman to a loving, protective matriarch who finds renewed purpose and joy in her grandchildren.
Liza Tillerman
The Mentioned
Her arc is largely off-screen, but her illness and abandonment set the stage for the children's journey of self-discovery and family reunification.
Mr. Lingerle
The Supporting
Mr. Lingerle provides a temporary haven and a glimpse of kindness, allowing the children to rest and regroup before continuing their journey.
Eunice
The Supporting
Eunice's inability to provide a loving home reinforces Dicey's determination to find a suitable guardian for her siblings.
Themes & Insights
The Meaning of Family and Home
The central theme explores what truly makes a 'family' and a 'home.' At first, the Tillerman children define home as a physical place where they can stay together. Through their journey, they learn that home is defined by love, belonging, and shared responsibility, not just a roof over their heads. Eunice's house, though providing shelter, is not a home because it lacks warmth and acceptance. The dilapidated Tillerman farm eventually becomes a true home because of the growing love and commitment between Abigail and her grandchildren. This shows that family is built on connection and effort. Dicey's relentless search for a place where they can all stay together, even when rejected, highlights this.
“What made a family? Not just a mother and father, not just a house and a yard. It was the people in it, the way they loved and looked after each other.”
Resilience and Self-Reliance
The novel shows the resilience of the human spirit, especially in children. Dicey, in particular, shows self-reliance as she takes on the role of parent and protector for her siblings. The children learn to depend on themselves and each other, navigating great physical and emotional hardships—hunger, homelessness, fear, and rejection. Their ability to adapt, solve problems, and keep moving forward, even against overwhelming odds, shows their inner strength. Dicey's decision to walk to Bridgeport and then to Crisfield, refusing to give up on finding a safe place, exemplifies this.
“She wouldn't give up. Not ever. She would find them a home, a real home, where they could all be together.”
The Burden of Responsibility
Dicey's character is shaped by the great responsibility placed on her at a young age. She feels responsible for her siblings' physical safety, emotional well-being, and their future. This responsibility often forces her to hide her own needs and fears, leading to moments of great pressure and loneliness. The novel explores the psychological toll this takes on her, but also her growth in managing it. As the story progresses, she learns to share this burden with Abigail and her siblings, understanding that true strength comes not just from bearing it alone, but from allowing others to help. Her constant worry about Maybeth's quietness or Sammy's outbursts highlights this theme.
“She was thirteen, and she had four lives to take care of, including her own.”
The Power of Connection and Acceptance
The journey of the Tillerman children is a search for connection and acceptance. They are often rejected or met with suspicion, showing their need for belonging. Mr. Lingerle offers a brief, kind connection; Eunice offers none. It is only when they reach Abigail, who initially rejects them, that the true power of connection begins to appear. Abigail's gradual acceptance of her grandchildren, and their acceptance of her, heals old wounds and builds a new, strong family unit. Maybeth's music, James's questions, and Sammy's energy all help break down Abigail's barriers, showing how genuine connection can change individuals and families.
“She looked at the four children, their faces thin and smudged, their eyes watchful. And she knew, suddenly, that she couldn't let them go.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Journey Motif
The physical journey as a metaphor for personal growth and the search for identity.
The entire novel is structured around a literal journey the Tillerman children undertake to find a home. This physical trek from Connecticut to Maryland serves as a powerful metaphor for their emotional and psychological development. Each stop, each challenge, and each person they encounter on the road contributes to their growth, forcing them to confront their fears, rely on each other, and define what family truly means. The long, arduous walk symbolizes the difficult path to self-discovery and the forging of their collective identity as the 'Tillerman children' who belong together.
The Abandonment as Catalyst
The initial act of abandonment sets the entire plot in motion and shapes character motivations.
Liza Tillerman's act of abandoning her children is not just a plot point; it is the foundational catalyst for every subsequent event and character motivation. It forces Dicey to assume leadership, ignites the children's desperate search for a home, and ultimately leads them to their grandmother. The trauma of abandonment drives Dicey's fierce protectiveness and the children's deep need for security and belonging. It also serves as a mystery that is gradually unraveled through Abigail's explanations, giving context to Liza's actions and the family's history.
Symbolism of the Tillerman Farm
The dilapidated farm represents the family's broken past and their potential for healing and renewal.
When the Tillerman children first arrive, the farm is as neglected and broken as the Tillerman family itself—overgrown, rundown, and silent. As the children begin to work on it, cleaning, planting, and repairing, the farm slowly comes back to life. This physical transformation mirrors the emotional healing and renewal occurring within the family. The farm becomes a symbol of their hard work, their resilience, and their ability to create a new, vibrant future from a damaged past. It represents the grounding and stability they have longed for.
Foreshadowing through Liza's Illness
Subtle hints about Liza's mental state foreshadow the family's history and challenges.
Early in the novel, Liza's erratic behavior, her decision to abandon her children, and the vague descriptions of her 'illness' subtly foreshadow the deeper family history of mental health struggles and tragedy. These hints prepare the reader for Abigail's later revelations about Liza's institutionalization and the family's past losses. This device creates a sense of unease and mystery, driving the children's (and the reader's) desire to understand their mother's actions and the roots of their family's predicament.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“It was as though they had stepped into another world, a world where they were the only ones who mattered.”
— Describing the children's sense of isolation and self-reliance on their journey.
“The feeling that they were all in it together, that they had to be in it together, was a warm, living thing inside her.”
— Dicey reflecting on the bond with her siblings.
“You can't just give up. You can't just let go.”
— Dicey's internal monologue about continuing their journey despite difficulties.
“They were a family. They had to stick together.”
— A recurring theme and thought for Dicey throughout their travels.
“She learned how little she knew, and how much she had to learn.”
— Dicey's realization about the world and her own capabilities.
“The world was a big place, and they were small in it, but they were not invisible.”
— The children's perspective on their journey and their place in the world.
“Sometimes you just had to keep going, even when you didn't know where you were going.”
— The children's blind faith and persistence on their journey.
“It was a strange feeling, being responsible for so much, and yet having so little control.”
— Dicey grappling with her role as the eldest sibling.
“They were like seeds, blown by the wind, looking for a place to root.”
— A metaphor for the children's search for a home.
“The quiet grew around them, a soft, comforting blanket.”
— Describing moments of peace and respite during their travels.
“Every step was a choice, a decision to keep moving forward.”
— Highlighting the conscious effort required to continue their trek.
“It wasn't easy, but nothing worth having ever was.”
— A reflection on the hardships and rewards of their journey.
“You just did what you had to do, and you hoped for the best.”
— Dicey's pragmatic approach to their difficult situation.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
At the story's outset, the four Tillerman children—Dicey, James, Maybeth, and Sammy—are abandoned by their mentally unstable mother, Liza, in a car in a Connecticut shopping mall parking lot. They are left with little money and no clear instructions, forcing Dicey, as the eldest, to take charge of their survival and journey.
About the author
Cynthia Voigt is a highly acclaimed author of young adult fiction, celebrated for her nuanced portrayals of adolescence. Her notable works include the Newbery Medal-winning "Homecoming," "A Solitary Blue," and "Jackaroo." Voigt's writing is characterized by its deep emotional resonance and exploration of complex family dynamics.
