What metaphors are used in Diamonds in the Shadow by Caroline B. Cooney?

The language of the novel is easy and engaging for modern day readers. Completely straightforward, the few metaphors and analogies are almost strictly religious. This creates a dual understanding of the language. On one level, readers with a religious background will find greater depth to the story, particularly the passages reference sin or redemption. The religious symbolism simply adds depth to the novel and having a religious background is certainly not needed to understand the novel, although the understanding will be relatively more superficial.