Family History

Throughout the novel, the author explores the importance of connecting with one's familial history, through Odie and Albert's journey to meet Aunt Julia, as well as Mose's desire to discover the truth of his Sioux origins. While the four children at the center of the novel act as a small family unit, each of them has been orphaned. Odie and Albert learn to rely on one another, believing that they are the only family they have left. When they discover their Aunt Julia is alive, they endeavor to do everything in their power to reconnect with her. Despite their uprootedness, and their occasional disagreements, the brothers love each other fiercely. Growing up during the Great Depression, the O'Banion brothers have nothing if not each other and their companions. The greatest desire of Albert's heart is to protect his younger brother. Odie gradually realizes that his...