Family

In A River In Darkness, readers see how the strength of family bonds can be both powerful and weak, depending on the individuals involved. Primarily, the author and main character Masaji Ishikawa reinforces the powerful strength of family bonds. He is committed to caring for his family, providing for them, and protecting them. First, he looks out for his mother and younger sisters, even abandoning the chance to run away with the woman he loves because he refuses to leave his family behind. Even when his sisters reach adulthood, he is committed to them and feels responsible for them, particularly to his youngest sister Masako. He stands up for her when she is spurned by the father of her baby, and he helps to provide for her and her children until she leaves home. He even goes so far as to beg for money on her behalf to...