The Elephant In The Room

The ripple effect, the notion that small actions can have extensive and unforeseen consequences, is a recurring motif in the novel that supports the theme of Overcoming Isolation Through Family and Community Bonds. Nearly every event in the story can be traced back to a chain of interconnected actions, illustrating the far-reaching impact of seemingly insignificant choices.

For instance, Sila's simple act of helping her father design business cards adorned with an elephant logo sets off a chain reaction of events. These cards, distributed during their walks, catch the attention of Gio, who later contacts Alp after a disappointing experience at a dealership. This initial interaction ultimately blossoms into a deep friendship between Sila and Gio, culminating in the acquisition of Veda, the elephant, and the forging of new connections between Sila, Mateo, and others.

Another instance of the ripple effect is in Sila's inadvertent discovery of discrepancies in her mother's coworker's paycheck. This seemingly innocuous action of looking at a paycheck triggers a series of events leading to Oya's deportation back to Turkey, catalyzed by her confrontation with her employer and her employer's subsequent involvement with immigration authorities. Sila's curiosity inadvertently becomes the start of the central conflict of the narrative. Similarly, Sila's decision to wear her mother's sweater paves the way for her friendship with Mateo, which leads to pivotal encounters with Rosa and eventually results in Oya's return from Turkey and a significant legal victory against her former employer.