Finding One's Home

One of the major themes of this novel is the idea of finding one's home. Belinda knows that she does not want to live in Boston for the rest of her life, but feels compelled to stay with Mrs. Stafford-Smyth until her death. It is for this reason that Belinda originally stays in Boston with the people whom she considers her Boston family. Although she loves her life in Boston, Belinda misses her own family and the town that she has always considered as her home. Belinda first feels torn when she returns to her hometown on a visit. Though she has pleasant memories of the places she visits, she is haunted by the idea that the people who once lived there have moved on with their own lives. Belinda also feels as if she has changed since she last lived in that town. She almost...