Generational Trauma

Korelitz comments on the destructive influence generational trauma can have on both children and adults through the thoughts and feelings of each Oppenheimer family member. Salo and Johanna suffer from unique traumas that impact their children’s worldviews. The triplets’ trauma gets passed down to Phoebe: the first to break the toxic cycle of lies and avoidance in her family.

To begin, Salo’s car accident made him feel unworthy of happiness. Being the cause of his girlfriend Mandy’s death prevented Salo from accepting love again. Despite Johanna’s efforts, Stella—who was also in the accident—is the only person who alleviates Salo’s guilt. Their affair causes a great deal of distress for Sally, in particular.

Salo’s affair with Stella destroys what little respect Sally ever had for him. While her brothers seem to think little of Salo’s prolonged absences...