Family and Chosen Family

Warner explores the idea of “family” and what it means to the various characters in the novel, particularly Leigh. At the start of the novel, Leigh feels adrift without her parents, and does not see any member of the Simmons family as her own. Indeed, she reflects on the artifice of her connection to Tristin and Peg in particular, noting how despite them all being “distant cousins” (2), Tristin and Peg choose to go by the titles of “uncle” and “aunt” in order to give themselves authority over Leigh. By approaching Leigh as authorities over her rather than family, Leigh finds it more difficult to trust them or connect with them. On the other hand, Leigh is able to grow quite close with Myra, as despite their age gap Myra treats Leigh as a complete equal. Indeed, Leigh explains this outright to Myra as...