Claddagh Cross

This is a piece of jewelry given to Vivian in Ireland. It's the only thing she's left with after her home and family burn in a fire. Thus, it is extremely dear to her and represents the family she's lost. It's also an important representation of her original identity, the version of herself she desperately tries to hold on to as she moves through the various foster homes that, in so many ways, come close to destroying that identity.

Turtle Tattoo

Molly got a turtle tattoo (illegally) when she was sixteen, in exchange for her virginity. As Molly explains, the turtle is a symbol for her people (the Penobscot Indians) of strength and perseverance. On another level, related more to the novel's themes, a turtle is an animal who carries its home with it, and this is also the case for Molly, who constantly moves...