The author addresses several themes in this short novel: multicultural marriages and friendships, family ties, single parenthood, sexuality and sexual behavior, race discrimination, and child abandonment. However, which of the themes are major and which are minor is unclear. The novel's themes develop through Bizou's day-to-day perspectives. Though this technique is often employed successfully, the author's treatment of themes in this book does not move the reader beyond the surface of the narration.

The central, most well-developed character in this book is Eliane, nicknamed Bizou. Her personality is revealed in her narration of the story.

The thirteen-year-old daughter of a black fashion model and a white photojournalist, Bizou shows herself to be strong, determined, and resourceful in the face of her problems.

Bizou's family are important to the evolution of the story. Her mother, Tranquility, is a tall, thin, black woman who left home...