Tomb of the unknown soldier (French)

Adam's desire to spend his New Year's Eve at Paris' tomb of the unknown soldier represents the strong connection Adam feels to his ancestors, who served in the French military. In addition to eventually moving back to the town where his family is from, Adam creates and displays a large painting in his home depicting his family's military history.

Rain on a tin roof

The sound of rain on a tin roof represents the many small, tactile details of Anita's childhood in Mauritius that are slowly fading from her memory. The novel confirms that Anita visits Mauritius only once as an adult, to investigate the accidental death of her father, Philip.

"Griot"

Anita's use of the obscure French word "griot" within one of her articles represents the great efforts she undertakes in order to assimilate into French culture. Anita feels that...