Storytelling

The novel argues that storytelling is a fundamental part of the healing process, as well as one that is necessary to living an authentic and fully embodies life. In the beginning of the novel, Ruby is constantly thinking about Aunt Stella and how much she misses her. For example, when she tells Uncle Ivan and Uncle Bob about how she used to hide under Aunt Stella at the zoo even though she did not need her shadow to protect her from the sun, Ruby notes: “I don’t say the other part I’m thinking. How Aunt Stella’s memory is like a different kind of shadow, following me day and night” (33). Ruby keeps her thoughts of Aunt Stella to herself because she fears that speaking them aloud will hurt her Uncle Ivan.

The animals decide to stop talking about Stella because they think that it...