Perspective

The central theme of the novel is Perspective. This theme is most clearly explored through the use of chapters told from the perspective of several different characters who were involved in the events of the narrative alongside chapters giving the perspectives of strangers who encountered the Kettle family at various different stages during their lives. Although many of the recollections of the Kettle family’s past are negative or traumatic in the eyes of the family themselves, from the perspective of strangers it was always possible to see the good things about their lives and how many positive things were happening. The strangers were always able to sympathize with the family and see what they had going for them, even at times when the family themselves were unable to see this.

Cat is the central protagonist and her journey as a character is all about learning...