Kidnappings

In the novel, ordinary people kidnap children to get their own child back. The kidnappings are symbolic of the fact that people will do anything for their child's safety. At one point, Rachel thinks about her plan to kidnap Toby Dunleavy. She knows that she will grab that “sweet little boy” because she is willing to do whatever it takes to get Kylie back.

Mirrors

Rachel removed most of the mirrors in her house when she was undergoing chemo, and the missing mirrors symbolize her inability to watch herself waste away during that time. Also, after Kylie's kidnapping, she looks at the wall where the mirror was and thinks about all those “broken mirrors in the town dump” (Location 1447), and believes they symbolize a lot of bad luck.

The Wrench

Kylie finds a wrench in the basement. It symbolizes her hope that she can escape from...