Janet Meenehan answers “How did Nate know Son of Man? When he was...”

Skye asked this question about The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store:

How did Nate know Son of Man? When he was stabbing him he said it wasn't his fault.?

Janet Meenehan I reread it to look for clues and found even more little tibits of connection. However, I did not see a clear linkage explaining the relationship betw…moreI reread it to look for clues and found even more little tibits of connection. However, I did not see a clear linkage explaining the relationship between Nate and Son of Man. They both hailed from Hemlock Row, Nate as a Love and SOM as a Lowgod. Nate's life took a dark turn after his father became violent and Nate murdered him. As an orphan, Nate was on his own and turned to a life of crime, essentially becoming a hit man for the community. In an oblique reference, the story notes that SOM as good as a father to Nate. The community had mixed feelings about Nate’s actions and after his prison time, he didn't return to Hemlock Row. SOM's predilection, unacceptable in Hemlock, found somewhat free reign in Pennhurst. Miggy in the chapter Duck Boy speaks of this history, but she speaks in parables, leaving gaps. When Nate says he doesn't know SOM, she responds "It doesn't matter...He knows you."
How SOM knows Nate I could not clearly discern.(less)

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Janet Meenehan Timna, nice catch!
May 06, 2024 09:46AM · flag

Peggy Timna, I also thought that SOM may be Nate's brother, but then Nate was supposed to be the last Love, so that didn't seem to add up even if SOM had al ...more
Sep 22, 2025 10:14AM · flag

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The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

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