Julia Ives - The protagonist, a successful 41-year-old architect living in Vermont. She returns to Spokane while pregnant to revisit her childhood home and unravel the mysteries surrounding her family's past, particularly her mother's disappearance when Julia was 9 years old.

Julia's Father - An alcoholic who was both nurturing and abusive towards Julia and her brother Travis during their childhood. He taught Julia "the salt dance" ritual to help her leave her fears behind.

Julia's Mother - Disappeared from the family without explanation when Julia was 9 years old, leaving a profound impact on Julia's life.

Travis - Julia's younger brother, who also bears emotional scars from their turbulent childhood.

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Family Trauma and Abuse
The novel delves into the harrowing experiences of Julia, the protagonist, who endured emotional and physical abuse from her alcoholic father after her mother abandoned the family. Julia's childhood was marred by her father's violent outbursts, leaving her with deep psychological scars.

Reconciliation and Healing
Years later, as a pregnant 41-year-old, Julia returns to her hometown of Spokane to confront her estranged father and unravel the mysteries surrounding her mother's disappearance. This journey becomes a quest for healing and understanding, as Julia seeks to make peace with her past before becoming a mother herself.

Parental Relationships
The book explores the complex relationships between parents and children, highlighting the lasting impact of parental actions on a child's psyche. It delves into the contrasting roles of Julia's father, who initially taught her the comforting "salt dance" ritual but later became an abusive presence.

Memory and Self-Discovery
Through alternating narratives between the present and past, the novel examines the power of memory and how it shapes one's identity. Julia's journey is a process of self-discovery, as she grapples with the memories of her childhood and seeks to understand the forces that tore her family apart.

Hegi's poignant prose and intricate character development make "Salt Dancers" a compelling exploration of familial trauma, the resilience of the human spirit, and the possibility of redemption.

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Critics have often lauded Hegi's writing style, highlighting her lyrical and evocative prose. Reviewers have appreciated her ability to create vivid imagery and emotional depth in her storytelling.

While some critics have praised the novel for its intricate plot and the way it unravels family secrets, others have felt that the pacing could be slow at times. The structure of the narrative, moving between past and present, has been a point of contention for some readers.

Hegi's background and the cultural and historical contexts she weaves into her novels are often appreciated. "Salt Dancers" is no exception, with its detailed setting and exploration of themes relevant to the time and place.

Overall, "Salt Dancers" is perceived as a thoughtful and introspective novel that combines beautiful prose with deep emotional and psychological exploration. While it may not appeal to all readers due to its pacing and narrative structure, it is generally respected for its literary qualities and thematic depth.