Family Secrets

Family secrets are a pivotal theme in the novel, shaping the emotional landscape and relationships between characters. The novel suggests that the cost of keeping secrets is high, affecting not only the secret-keeper but also those from whom the secrets are kept. These hidden truths create barriers to genuine connection and understanding, leading to feelings of betrayal, resentment, and isolation. By the end of the story, the process of revealing these secrets and confronting the associated emotions becomes a crucial step towards healing and rebuilding trust.

Rocky’s decision to keep her abortion a secret from Nick serves as the central example of the destructive nature of family secrets. Her choice to withhold this information is rooted in her own confusion and inability to process the event. She cannot explain to herself why she made the decision, and this internal turmoil leads her to believe...