Family Bonds.

Family Bonds are the main theme in the book. The Gold family is a close knit and loving family, but their bonds are tested after the death of their father. Mrs. Gold is filled with grief and forced to work overtime to make ends meet. The financial stress, as well as the stress of losing a parent, really tests the sisters' bonds. The girls begin to resent each other for the same reasons they once loved each other.

May resents having to be responsible for her sisters. She loves them, but she doesn't want to be forced into the role of caretaker. The change in the dynamic of their relationship causes problems between the sisters. May also has to become her mother's keeper; taking care of the house so that her mother can bury her feelings in work.

Brooks is forced to change her role in the...