Comment on theme

Despite Leila’s abusive childhood and complicated adolescence, the profound connections she makes in Istanbul prove that authentic friendship has the power and strength to transcend all evil and heartache. Just as Leila reflects in the section “Remaining Eight Seconds,” she believes in the spiritual resonance of her five friends significance. Like the religious images of Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity, her five companions seem to symbolize stability, bravery, enlightenment, and balance (182). Though the narrative does not often depict all six of the friends in the same space at the same time, Leila connects each of these disparate lives and spirits through her graciousness, generosity, and empathy.