I read in an interview with the author that this would be the only installment of this specific storyline because she was suffering from depression at the time of writing. I found it pretty amazing that the themes of the story revolves around celebrating life and striving for acceptance and closure from trauma. The author also doesn’t do any one dimensional characters. There is an understanding in her writing that any major loss stays with us forever. That we have to cope and come to terms with letting go of a past all consuming love, to recognize and appreciate the love that we are offered now.
*Spoiler Warning*
The main character suffered the loss of her childhood dreams, loves, and identity. However, she eventually comes to accept that the life she has isn’t what she would have chosen, but there is value and elements of it that are just as precious as any she left behind.
There is a child that is the product of an assault. The child’s ability to live is fought for and even though that child’s life is nowhere near perfect or even ideal. The recognition that stealing life from the innocent doesn’t erase or provide absolution for the horrific victimization that took place is sorely needed in all places and times.