Forgiveness

The concept of forgiveness is something that Vincent recognizes is important, but struggles to accept throughout most of the novel, even as people she trusts tells her to move on. This shows how important it is to let go of anger and not endlessly punish someone for a mistake.

Tully is the one who exemplifies this theme the best. Out of everyone who should be angry at Cillian, Tully and his mother have the most reasons to be. Yet, when Vincent asks how Tully feels, he is the first person to tell her that he does not hate Cillian like she thought he should. Tully writes, “If Cillian had been older when my mam was pregnant with me, I’d be really angry with him. I’ve searched my heart for anger towards him now and come up empty. It was a perfect storm of mistakes...