Coming of Age

The central theme of the novel is coming-of-age which is explored through the character of Lara Jean and her progression from being overly dependent on her family, to a more mature character who is capable of making independent decisions and living her own life. At the start of the novel, Lara Jean is completely dependent on her older sister Margot, who is about to move to Scotland. The thought of having to cope without Margot is distressing to Lara Jean because not only will she miss her sister’s company, but she also worries that her family will be unable to cope on a practical level without Margot to organize them. Ever since the untimely death of Lara Jean’s mother, several years before the events of the novel take place, Margot has taken over the role of their mom in the family, organizing...