Sexism

Sexism is at the heart of the novel, which presents the patriarchy as the root of all evil within the character’s life. The story begins with an idealized portrait of two female friends who are in perfect harmony with one another, so much so that they even always agree on what to eat for their meals, as we see when Emily suggests they eat quinoa bowls and Kristen responds: “Oh God, same … I was hoping you’d say that. I’m gonna shower before we eat” (12). The two women are best friends and they enjoy their vacations together because they are able to escape the “real” world and embrace their adventures together.

However, this perfect female friendship comes crashing down around them when men are inserted into the picture. During their trip to Cambodia, Emily heads off with a man and is sexually assaulted by...