Family

The author employs an atypical approach to form, structure, and point of view in order to enact his thematic explorations regarding familial connections and relationships. The novel is organized into 12 chapters, each of which is written from the first person point of view of one of the Geimausaddle family members. Although Ever Geimausaddle is arguably the protagonist of the novel, his first person vantage point only features in the novel’s final section. Therefore, the author is formally suggesting that Ever Geimausaddle’s character and identity is inextricable from his ties to his family members.

The author also uses a range of symbolic imagery in order to underscore his thematic notions concerning the importance and power of family. These images include Lena’s quilts, Vincent’s regalia, the local powwows, Hayes’s boogie mask, Turtle’s pen, the broken memorial bench, Turtle Faith, Leander’s drawing...