Womanhood (Motif)
The narrative focuses predominantly on womanhood with the characters including women from different age groups. It follows the two women Nadia and Aubrey as it explores female friendships and their complexities. Moreover delves into their lives at a young age to showcase the challenges they face when transitioning into womanhood and motherhood. Consequently, the story deals with the subject of absent mothers specifically for the female children growing up. The novel is narrated by a collective voice of elderly women giving their perspective on the young women.
Double consciousness (Motif)
The novel is very subtle in its handling of political discourse about race or racism however the subjects are present. Through this tale about young black people, Bennett explores the social anxieties and pressures they face in their daily lives. It weaves in the double consciousness that black folks have to assume in order to navigate the current social dynamic. Though the main focus is women the story illustrates how black men are victimized by systemic racism. It also explores the triple consciousness that black women have to don as they cope with race and gender issues.
Secrets (Motif)
Secrecy plays a significant role in the story since it is also narrated by several voices gossiping over the pieces of information. The characters have their live intertwined through secrets that become the root of conflict in the plot. Nadia and Luke share a painful secret that still burdens and returns to haunt their lives years after its occurrence. Their small community is judgmental and religious therefore any transgression is kept in the dark to avoid scrutiny.
Church (Symbol)
The Upper Room chapel is at the center of the narrative as it connects this small community and the characters. The church plays an important role in nurturing a sense of community and offer a place of solace. After Nadia’s mother commits suicide her father finds relief in the church. A character such as Aubrey and the elderly narrators are part of the church and are religious and devoted individuals. However, while the church symbolizes acceptance it also embodies judgment, hypocrisy, and social alienation. The congregation represents the moral compass that is imposed on every individual. Thus, dictating how they conduct themselves or else they face scrutiny.
Life choices (Motif)
In their adulthood the characters particularly Nadia contend with their life choices as young teenagers. In essence, the narrative demonstrates the idea of what-ifs about the choices people select in their early life. It explores the topics of early pregnancy and abortion and the controversial choices that come into play in such situations. Besides, the idea that our older selves have to live with the consequences of the decisions that we made.
