FAMILY Family is a major theme throughout this novel because Merit lives in a very unique family situation. Her mother lives in the basement suffering from a social phobia after surviving cancer, while her father lives upstairs with his new wife (her mother's nurse), and their son Moby. Utah, Honor and Merit also live in the home, along with Sagan and Luck, who just happen to become part of the family. Even though this family situation is very twisted it still plays a prominent role in the novel.
SECRETS Secrets are a major theme in the book, especially for Merit. Throughout the book and her life Merit feels as if she is holding everyone's secrets which consumes her. Once the secrets are let loose, her family finally discovers the truth about each other and gains a deeper understanding of why Merit was so reserved and quiet. The end of this novel serves as an excellent lesson of why not to keep secrets in a home.
LOVE Love was a prominent theme throughout the novel. Love was displayed in their family and also between Merit and Sagan. Even though they faced many challenges as a family, love persisted and in the end they all still loved and cherished each other.
Favorite Quote
“‘If silence were a river, your tongue would be the boat”’(63).
This quote is my favorite quote because of the weight it holds in the novel and in life in general. Merit spent most of her time around her family silent because she felt her presence did not matter. However, when Sagan drew her a picture of a boat on a tongue, and said this, she realized that there are people that value her presence and her voice.