Escapism

The escapism demonstrated by the characters within the novel shows the boundaries of what the human spirit may withstand when confronted with the inhumanity of incarceration. Although Amal must principally contend with the danger inherent in the experience of incarceration, he is also feeling as though he has lost the only home he has ever known and he has no idea when, or if, he will return. Amal’s family must also contend with the pain they feel for not being able to keep him at home and provide a chance for him to learn from his mistakes without the harshness of the detention center. Once Amal is incarcerated, his family’s lives essentially cease while they hang onto news of Jeremy Mathis’ condition and make the long trips on visitation days to see him. All of the characters dream of leaving this painful reality behind...