Dreams

Much of this novel is centered around the mystery of Sophie's childhood traumas. Because Sophie is such an emotionally guarded character, the author needed to another way for the reader to get insight into the mystery of her past. Creech has chosen to let the audience in through Sophie's dreams. The opening chapter of the novel is simply a description of one image: the black wave that stalks Sophie in her nightmares. Although this image isn't explained, it is so strong that the reader shouldn't doubt that the image will return. Throughout the course of the novel, dreams seem to be the best way for Sophie and Cody to decompress the complex fears and thoughts they've had while living aboard The Wanderer, and therefore their dreams are heavily steeped in symbolism. In all of Sophie's dreams, she is plagued with images of the family stranded, without food or...