Identity

The author uses the theme of identity as a way to keep Sofia as an ambiguous character. At the outset of the novel, Sofia is conflicted about her life and views herself as broken. She thinks she should have accomplished more by this point in her life, and she is overwhelmed by a simple form asking her to list her occupation. She does not want to identify as a waitress, but she cannot commit to any other title.

Sofia has dropped out of her doctoral studies and is dependent on her mother financially. Conversely, her mother appears to need Sofia to help care for her. Sofia does not see herself as an autonomous person, but as a subset of her mother.

Sofia feels abandoned by her father. She has not seen him since she was fourteen-years-old. She decides to visit him and his new family. After...