The theme of mother-daughter relationships unfolds through complex dynamics between characters, particularly focusing on Sunday and her daughter Dolly, as well as their interactions with Vita. This theme is central to understanding the characters' motivations, conflicts, and personal growth throughout the novel.

Sunday and Dolly's relationship is characterized by a deep bond tinged with tension and misunderstanding. Sunday, a woman on the autism spectrum, approaches motherhood with both devotion and a unique perspective shaped by her sensory sensitivities and literal thinking. From the outset, Sunday's narrative reveals her unconditional love for Dolly, stemming from the moment she unexpectedly became a mother. Despite the challenges of her neurodivergence, Sunday's love for Dolly is unwavering, and she strives to provide stability and support in her own quiet, methodical way.

Conversely, Dolly, portrayed as intelligent and ambitious, navigates adolescence and young adulthood with a desire for independence and...