Isolation

The novel portrays isolation as a universal experience that can elicit a sense of empathy even for deeply flawed individuals. With the possible exception of the gregarious Driss, virtually every major character in the novel feels largely isolated from both the family and larger community that surrounds them. This feeling of isolation comes through for the characters who are racial minorities, including Nora, Maryam, Efraín, and Detective Coleman -- and, perhaps surprisingly, the sensation of isolation feels just as strong for the characters in the novel who are white men, including Jeremy, Fierro, and Anderson and A.J. Baker. By showing the genuine moments of emotional isolation experienced by both Anderson and A.J., the novel challenges the reader to consider the full emotional spectrum experienced by each character, instead of being more easily able to sort the characters into protagonists and antagonists.

The narrative...