Uprooted to Carousel

Gran Flowerpetal's family, struggling with financial hardship and his mother's disability, leaves their coastal home for the inland, hilly town of Carousel. Gran, his younger sister Maisie, and their parents move into a crooked ancestral house, hoping for a fresh start. The new environment is strange and unsettling, with a landscape and community unlike anything they've known. Gran's father, a mechanic, faces uncertain job prospects, while his mother, once an artist, is now confined to a wheelchair and emotionally distant. Gran, creative and sensitive, finds solace in making clay animals, a skill inherited from his mother. The family's move is tinged with hope but shadowed by anxiety, as they try to adapt to a place that feels both promising and precarious.

The Invisible Newcomer

At Carousel Middle School, Gran is ignored rather than bullied, rendered nearly invisible by his classmates and teachers. His unusual name, Granite Flowerpetal, becomes a source of embarrassment, prompting him to adopt the nickname "Gran." Despite his efforts to fit in, he remains unnoticed, fueling his sense of unreality and loneliness. The only person who acknowledges him is his little sister, Maisie, whose playful spirit is a rare comfort. Gran's attempts to assert his presence, including a failed experiment to walk through a wall, only reinforce his outsider status. The town's odd politics and quirky residents add to his confusion, making Carousel feel even more alien.

Catalina's Secret Descent

Gran's curiosity is piqued by Catalina Catalan, a mysterious, tough classmate who seems to vanish after school. After following her through the woods, Gran witnesses her open a hidden door in a hillside using a strange handle and disappear underground. When he tries to investigate, the door vanishes, leaving him questioning his sanity. His obsession with Catalina grows, and after a tense confrontation, she reluctantly allows him to glimpse her secret: a network of tunnels beneath the town, accessed by special "Lifts." Catalina is a "Lifter," tasked with propping up the earth to prevent collapses caused by the mysterious, destructive force known as the Hollows.

The Mysterious Handle

Determined to help, Gran searches for a Lift of his own. After a failed attempt to buy one at a flea market, he discovers a brass C-shaped object in his attic—an heirloom from his great-great-grandfather, a blacksmith for the old carousel factory. To his amazement, it works, allowing him to open doors into the tunnels. This discovery connects Gran to the town's history and to Catalina's secret world. He learns that the Lifts are more than tools; they are symbols of personal and communal legacy, and only those with a deep connection to the town's past can wield them.

Into the Hollows

Gran's first solo journey into the tunnels is harrowing. He encounters the Hollows—a sentient, hurricane-like force that carves destructive paths beneath the town, causing sinkholes and collapses. The Hollows are drawn to despair and sadness, feeding on the town's collective hopelessness. Gran narrowly escapes their wrath, rescued by Catalina, who explains the Lifters' mission: to shore up the tunnels and protect the surface world. The work is dangerous, lonely, and often thankless, but essential to the town's survival. Gran's courage and quick thinking earn Catalina's reluctant respect.

The Town's Sinking Heart

As the Hollows' activity intensifies, Carousel is beset by disasters: houses and even the school are swallowed by sinkholes. The town is divided by petty politics, with residents arguing over how to allocate resources—parks and schools versus moose-attack prevention. Gran's family is strained by his father's absence and his mother's depression. Amidst the chaos, Gran and Catalina work tirelessly underground, using makeshift supports to hold up the earth. Their efforts are a race against time, as the Hollows grow stronger and the town's despair deepens.

The Lifter's Revelation

Catalina reveals the origins and purpose of the Lifters: children (and a few small adults) chosen for their resilience and empathy, tasked with maintaining the stability of their communities from below. The Hollows, she explains, are attracted to places where hope is lost. The Lifters' work is both literal and metaphorical—propping up the ground and the spirits of those above. Gran realizes that his own sadness and sense of duty make him a natural Lifter. The bond between him and Catalina deepens as they share the burden of their secret mission.

Underground Allies

Facing overwhelming odds, Gran devises a new strategy: using inflatable Earth balls from the school's storage room as massive supports in the tunnels. With help from the Duke, the school's eccentric janitor (and secret Regional Manager of the Lifters), they block the Hollows' advance beneath City Hall, saving the building and its occupants. This innovation marks a turning point, demonstrating that creativity and collaboration can outwit even the most formidable threats. Gran's confidence grows, and Catalina acknowledges his value as a partner.

The Battle for City Hall

On the night of a crucial town vote, the Hollows launch their fiercest attack yet, aiming to destroy City Hall and plunge Carousel into chaos. Gran and Catalina, armed with their Lifts and Earth balls, stage a desperate defense in the tunnels. The battle is intense, with the Hollows adapting and growing more cunning. Through teamwork, quick thinking, and a bit of luck, the Lifters manage to hold the line, forcing the Hollows to retreat. Aboveground, the town's divisions begin to heal as residents unite to celebrate their narrow escape.

The Hemispheric Conference

Recognized for his bravery and ingenuity, Gran is invited to the secret Hemispheric Conference—a gathering of Lifters from across the Americas, held deep within the earth. There, he discovers a vast network of children like himself, all working to keep their communities safe. The Duke is revealed as the new Hemispheric Commissioner, and Gran learns that the fight against the Hollows is worldwide. The conference is a celebration of solidarity, hope, and the power of young people to make a difference, even when adults are oblivious to the real dangers.

Family on the Brink

While Gran is away, his family is pushed to the edge by fear and uncertainty. The Hollows attack their home, drawn by the family's despair. Gran returns just in time, realizing that the only way to repel the Hollows is to restore hope and togetherness. The family's reunion, and the return of Gran's father, marks a turning point. Gran shares his story (in a way they can accept), and the family begins to heal. The lesson is clear: the strength of the community—and the family—depends on mutual support and resilience.

Restoring Gussie

Gran and Catalina recover Gussie, a carousel horse lost in the original factory collapse, and enlist Gran's mother to restore it. The project rekindles her artistic spirit and brings the family and community together. As neighbors gather to watch and help, old wounds begin to mend, and Carousel rediscovers its sense of purpose. The restoration of Gussie becomes a metaphor for the town's renewal, showing that beauty and hope can emerge from ruin.

Hope Above, Hope Below

Inspired by the restoration of Gussie, the town rallies to rebuild the carousel in front of City Hall. Gran's parents, Catalina, the Duke, and countless neighbors contribute their skills and labor. The project becomes a symbol of collective effort and shared joy, drawing people together across old divides. As the carousel takes shape, the town's mood lifts, and the Hollows' influence wanes. The Lifters' work is validated: hope above truly does heal the sadness below.

The Carousel Reborn

The new carousel, bigger and more vibrant than ever, becomes the heart of the town. It features animals old and new, crafted and painted by the community. The project sparks a renaissance, with Carousel reclaiming its identity and pride. Gran's family finds stability, and the town's divisions fade as people unite around a common purpose. The carousel's success leads to new opportunities, and the town's future looks bright for the first time in years.

The Hollows Retreat

With the town's spirit restored, the Hollows lose their grip on Carousel. The Duke, now based in the new factory, notes that the destructive forces have gone quiet. The Lifters remain vigilant, but their work shifts from crisis response to maintenance and celebration. Gran and Catalina continue their partnership, ready to face new challenges but confident in their ability to inspire and protect their community.

Lifters' Legacy

The story ends with a sense of continuity and possibility. Gran, Catalina, and the other Lifters understand that their work is never truly done, but that every act of kindness, creativity, and solidarity strengthens the world above and below. The carousel stands as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together, and the Lifters' legacy is one of quiet heroism, resilience, and hope.

Characters

Gran (Granite) Flowerpetal

Gran is a creative, introspective twelve-year-old struggling with invisibility and isolation after moving to Carousel. Haunted by family hardship and his mother's disability, he channels his anxiety into making clay animals—a symbol of his desire to shape and mend the world. Gran's journey is one of self-discovery: from passive observer to active Lifter, he learns that his empathy and sadness are not weaknesses but sources of strength. His relationship with Catalina catalyzes his transformation, and his ingenuity (such as using Earth balls to block the Hollows) marks him as a natural leader. Gran's arc is about finding belonging, purpose, and the courage to lift others as well as himself.

Catalina Catalan

Catalina is fiercely independent, resourceful, and initially distrustful of Gran. As a Lifter, she bears the weight of the town's safety, working alone in the tunnels to combat the Hollows. Her rough exterior masks vulnerability and a deep sense of duty, shaped by her own experiences of sadness and marginalization. Catalina's gradual acceptance of Gran as a partner reflects her growth and her recognition of the need for connection. Her family history is entwined with the town's, though she resists acknowledging it. Catalina embodies resilience, leadership, and the belief that those who know sadness are best equipped to help others.

Maisie Flowerpetal

Gran's younger sister, Maisie, is a source of light and chaos in the Flowerpetal household. Her childlike wonder and playfulness (often pretending to be a cat) provide comic relief and emotional grounding. Maisie's vulnerability—her tendency to throw up when overwhelmed, her attachment to her family—mirrors the fragility of hope in the story. She is both a motivation for Gran's actions and a symbol of what is at stake: the preservation of innocence and joy in a world threatened by despair.

Gran's Mother

Once a vibrant artist, Gran's mother is now confined to a wheelchair and struggles with depression and loss of purpose. Her journey parallels the town's: from withdrawal and sadness to renewed engagement through the restoration of Gussie. Her artistic revival becomes a catalyst for community healing, and her resilience inspires those around her. She represents the possibility of transformation and the importance of nurturing one's gifts, even in the face of adversity.

Gran's Father

Gran's father is a mechanic whose inability to find steady work strains the family. His absences and emotional distance are sources of pain for Gran, but his eventual return and participation in the carousel project signal reconciliation and hope. He is a figure of quiet strength, embodying the challenges faced by many working-class families and the redemptive power of coming home.

The Duke (El Duque)

The Duke is the school's janitor and a former carousel carver, secretly serving as the Regional Manager (and later Hemispheric Commissioner) of the Lifters. Wise, compassionate, and a bit mysterious, he guides Gran and Catalina, providing both practical help (Earth balls, advice) and philosophical insight. His dual identity reflects the theme that true leadership often goes unrecognized, and that those who serve quietly are the backbone of any community.

The Hollows

The Hollows are not characters in the traditional sense but function as the story's primary antagonist. They are a living, underground wind drawn to sadness and hopelessness, causing sinkholes and collapse. The Hollows symbolize the corrosive power of despair—both personal and communal—and the necessity of hope and action to counteract it.

Phyllis Feeley

Phyllis is a local activist and leader of the "Save Our Parks and Schools" campaign. Her warmth and determination help unite the town, and her collaboration with Gran's family on the carousel project exemplifies the power of grassroots action. She represents the positive potential of civic engagement and the importance of fighting for the common good.

Dr. Walter Woolford

Dr. Woolford is a town councilman obsessed with moose-attack prevention, embodying the absurdity of misplaced priorities and the dangers of fear-mongering. His rivalry with Phyllis and eventual reconciliation highlight the need for communities to move beyond petty conflicts and focus on real solutions.

Carousel (the Town)

Carousel itself is a character—a town with a rich history, deep wounds, and the potential for renewal. Its fate is tied to the emotional health of its residents, and its transformation from despair to hope mirrors the journeys of Gran, his family, and the Lifters.

Plot Devices

The Lifts and Underground Tunnels

The Lifts—special handles that open hidden doors into the earth—are both literal and symbolic. They represent the ability to access hidden strengths, family legacy, and the unseen work that holds communities together. The tunnels are a metaphor for the subconscious, the foundations of society, and the interconnectedness of all people. Only those with a genuine connection to the town's history can wield a Lift, reinforcing the importance of roots and memory.

The Hollows as Living Despair

The Hollows are a supernatural force that feeds on hopelessness, causing physical destruction in proportion to the town's emotional state. This device externalizes internal struggles, making the battle against despair a tangible, urgent conflict. The Lifters' work to shore up the tunnels is both a fight against collapse and a call to restore hope aboveground.

Dual Narrative Structure

The novel weaves together the surface world of family, school, and community with the secret, magical world of the Lifters. Events in one realm directly affect the other, illustrating the interplay between visible and invisible struggles. This structure allows for foreshadowing (sinkholes, family tension) and reveals (the Duke's true identity, the carousel's significance) that deepen the story's impact.

Symbolic Restoration

The restoration of Gussie and the carousel is a central plot device, symbolizing the possibility of renewal after loss. The act of creation—art, craftsmanship, collaboration—serves as both literal solution (rebuilding the town) and metaphorical cure (restoring hope, mending relationships). The carousel's rebirth is the story's emotional climax, uniting all threads.

Analysis

"The Lifters" uses magical realism to explore how despair can undermine both individuals and societies, and how hope—nurtured through creativity, empathy, and collective action—can literally and figuratively hold the world together. The Hollows are a powerful metaphor for depression, poverty, and social fragmentation, while the Lifters represent the often-invisible labor of those who care, repair, and uplift. The novel champions the idea that everyone, especially young people, has the capacity to make a difference, and that true heroism lies in small, persistent acts of kindness and ingenuity. By intertwining personal and communal healing, Eggers delivers a timely message: when we strengthen what's underneath—our relationships, our sense of purpose, our willingness to help—we create the conditions for happiness and stability above. The story is a call to notice the invisible struggles around us, to reach out, and to become Lifters in our own communities.

Last updated: July 26, 2025