Lightning

Lightning is present in a number of symbolic forms in the novel, primarily it is Dunia’s own symbol and her special power. Beyond that, it is a symbol of humans finding their inner strength, or more precisely of Duniazat finding their inner jinn. It takes on the meaning of the strange and suspicious during the strangenesses. And, in a different sense, it represents a family curse, for the Elfenbeins as well as the Duniazat.

Garden

The garden, which is especially meaningful to Mr Geronimo but carries significance to others too, is a symbol of care, beauty, and growth. The vision for a garden gives Mr Geronimo’s life meaning, he uses it to express his dreams and lives by the philosophy that one must cultivate one’s garden. Which is to say that one should focus on oneself and the things within reach to have...