comment on theme

Family connections play a prominent role in several of the novel’s storylines, and through these connections, the novel explores both the integral and often uncertain nature of these connections. For example, both in Brother’s storyline and Quichotte’s storyline, the novel explores father-son connections as being sources both of trepidation and fulfillment. Quichotte’s son, Sancho, materializes after Quichotte wishes for a son: “He was childless, and his line would end with him, unless he asked for and received a miracle” (16). Quichotte does receive a miracle in the form of Sancho, whose presence seems to be divinely conjured. Quichotte and Sancho must then navigate the unprecedented circumstances of their father-son relationship, just as Brother must navigate the unfamiliar circumstance of bonding with a son who is in governmental custody. Ultimately, the states of these relationships are left ambiguous, but the novel valorizes these four characters for their attempts at making these familial relationships functional.