Disability

This novel discusses the topic of disability through the character of Violet. Violet has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, although it is never explicitly stated in the novel. Yarros has the syndrome herself, and has said in interviews that Violet does as well. The disorder causes joints that dislocate easily, and skin that bruises and bleeds quicker than average. In the violent society of Navarre, where physical strength is prized above all else, Violet tries to hide her disability. On the first day of Riders training, Violet dislocates her knee. She has to continue her training with the injury, and pushes through the pain in order to survive. This is the first example of Violet’s resilience and stoicism in the face of pain. She also tries her hardest to hide the injury from the other cadets. She hides her knee brace away from her bunkmates, and even begs...