Family

Family is the main theme of this novel with family being a key part of the characters' identities and their motivations. The Spencer family is a very large family, consisting of nine brothers all of whom, except Virgil, have gone on to marry and have children of their own. Clay Spencer has nine children and his wife gives birth to twins as the novel develops. This is a large family that only adds to the scope of the already large Spencer family.

As the novel progresses, it becomes clear how much these families depend on one another. Clay Spencer is close to his brothers and they often have a wonderful time when they get together for holidays and other occasions. At the same time, Clay is incredibly proud of his own family and determined to see his own children have a better life than he ever did. Clay...