The Interaction of Past and Present

In terms of both style and substance, the narrative presents the past as being largely understood by the present, and the present as being what it is because of the past. This interaction of past and present is the book’s primary thematic consideration, manifesting in both structure and content. In terms of the former, each of the book’s narrative lines (one taking place in the present, the other taking place in the past) is infused with qualities of the other, with Cat’s description of events in her past colored and commented upon by commentary and insight from her present-day self. The reverse is also true, in that Cat’s narration of her present-day experiences and circumstances is illuminated by her consideration of how much, and in what ways, those experiences and circumstances have arisen as a result of...