comment on theme

The novel argues that home is not a geographical place but an emotional state. Anna grew up in Atlanta and has always felt like it was the one place in the world where she truly belonged. Her family and friends were there, and she never imagined leaving her home town. She certainly never expected to leave the United States and live abroad. But, her father decides that it would be good for her to go to boarding school in Paris for her senior year, and he sends her away without asking her what she would like to do. Her mother flies over to Paris with Anna. When they say goodbye,she tells Anna that she will call her when she is home. Anna reflects on the word home for the first time: “Home. Atlanta isn’t my home anymore” (7). This thought terrifies Anna, and she immediately begins crying and does not stop until her next-door neighbor comes to check on her.