Trauma

Trauma is a central aspect of Tomás’ arc and characterization, as the novel emphasizes how his past experiences have led to a persistent sense of personal trauma. The novel begins establishing this dynamic very early in the first chapter, when the narration refers to the strain in Tomás’ marriage to Claire. Tomás states in narration, “I’d never been truly present” (3). Over the course of the novel, it becomes apparent that this emotional absence is directly related to his experiences in Argentina. Tomás witnessed and directly experienced many horrors during the time of increasing political instability in the 1970s in Argentina. Thus, Tomás’ character arc not only illustrates the longevity of trauma, but also the ways in which personal and political dynamics can impact personal lives and psyches.

Tomás’ trauma appears to be derived from numerous types of sources, and...