An Invisible Thread: The True Story of an 11-Year-Old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny

Violence against women and children is a frequent occurrence in the book. In Maurice’s home life, his mother often experiences abuse. Maurice’s father, johns, drug dealers, and even Maurice’s uncles all repeatedly victimize Darcella. Rose, Maurice’s grandmother, has learned to carry a knife with her in case she is harassed or attacked. Young Maurice the adopts this habit and carries a stolen box cutter with him while he begs on the streets. Although abuse against Maurice is not detailed, his traumatic domestic situation has affected his worldview. 

When Schroff first introduces the novel, she explains how she has become desensitized to the desperation of the homeless. While she attributes this to the pace of New York, Schroff is also a victim of a violent upbringing. In Schroff’s childhood, her father regularly beat his wife and son Frank. Schroff’s grandmother and great grandmother also suffered at the hands of abusive men. Schroff later attributes Nunzie’s behavior to his abusive father. Within the families, there is a direct correlation between violence and the abuser’s drug use. Additionally, the victims of the abuse lead marred lives. Frank, for example, is unable to fully escape the trauma of his childhood and dies in his 40s. Unlike her female relatives, Schroff is financially able to leave a controlling marriage that borders on emotional abuse. Together, Schroff and Maurice are able to change their narratives, as they find support and love within their friendship.