Friendship

Friendship is an important theme in the novel “Out of the Easy” by Ruta Sepetys. . In the novel, friendship influences events in the plot in very important ways, especially when it comes to Josie. While Josie does not have a wide network of friends, the friends she does have are diverse but loyal.

Josie’s friendship with Patrick is very important to Josie herself. She has essentially grown up with Patrick, helping to manage his family’s bookshop, and helping to care for Patrick’s mentally-disabled father. Josie and Patrick take comfort in one another, and tell each other their deepest secrets – except for Patrick’s homosexuality. Patrick protects and cares for Josie, and is there for her at some of her darkest moments, including when she is robbed. It almost appears as if Josie and Patrick are poised for a relationship, until Patrick comes out...