Perception and Reality

The title of the book, The Twisted Window, refers to the nature of how one perceives factors in one's lives, versus the reality of how things really are. When Brad and Tracy first see Gavin at the kitchen window of Doug and Sally Carver's home, they interpret his interactions with a child they think is Mindy in very different ways. While Tracy thinks Gavin is weeping, Brad interprets the look on the man's face as joy. When their opinions differ, Brad insists that Tracy's view is positive because she is looking through a distorted pane of glass or literally, a twisted window.

This theme is visited often as the story unfolds. Richard Lloyd's letter to Tracy is meant as an invitation, expressing his desire to see her, yet she interprets the letter as an insult. Irene Stevenson tries to befriend her niece through decorating her bedroom...