Calling for a Blanket Dance

“Ever was now wide awake in Turtle’s arms, looking out from underneath the blanket. His eyes caught the officer’s eyes. He was too close to the violence, too close to rage.”

This passage speaks to the theme of Generational Trauma. Although he is not old enough to process what happens, Lena in particular understands the impact that bearing witness to violence can have on small children. It becomes a source of inexplicable trauma and affects how children grow up, the choices they make, and even how they parent their own offspring.

“Turtle had landed a job at a department store called TG&Y, where she stocked the clothing racks, and already loved the job.”

This passage speaks to the theme of Resilience in the Face of Systemic Oppression. Although there are many factors working against Turtle, she is able to find herself a better job than her previous position as an agricultural worker and, because of the job, is able to secure a home loan.

“That’s when I realized I didn’t have memories anymore. The alcohol had taken them from me.”

These lines speak to the theme of Generational Trauma in this text. Alcohol is both the cause of generational trauma and a self-medication technique that various characters use to cope with that trauma. However, Hokeah does focus on hope and resilience in the novel, and although alcohol addiction is an issue that several characters face, Ever does not experience it. Hokeah thus also shows the possibility of redemption and healing.