Family

The theme of family is represented through the intergenerational living situation and relationships between Swiv, Mooshie, and Elvira. It is not entirely uncommon for grandparents to live with their children and grandchildren, and this detail is based partly on the author's own life, as Miriam Toews lives with her mother, whose name is also Elvira, and her children. The dynamic between Swiv, Mooshie, and Elvira is one of mutual love and caregiving. Elvira looks after Swiv and homeschools her while Mooshie works, but Swiv is also responsible for looking after Elvira, making sure she takes her medications, putting on her compression socks, and administering her asthma inhaler. Even more significant than these literal tasks of care, however, are the ways in which they support and advise one another. Elvira often talks to Mooshie when she is upset about something, helping her solve her problems, and she...