Abandonment

Abandonment is one of the main themes that surrounds, and to an extent defines, Robin’s character. Marais has made sure to include multiple layers of neglect and abandonment to increase the emotional effect in the novel. Because Robin is so young, and fundamentally innocent, the several instances of being abandoned that she experiences are that much more heart breaking to the reader, and the reader can not only sympathize, but empathize with her too. Abandonment also takes several different forms in the novel, which emphasizes the relentlessness of the feeling of rejection, as it comes from multiple people rather than merely one.

After Jolene and Keith’s deaths, Mabel is treated brutally by the police at the station and becomes cold and distant as a result. Even when Robin is at her lowest point, where she needs love and support most, Mabel walks away from...