Unwind

One of the most pressing themes of the novel is the conflict between the one—or the few—and the many. This theme appears throughout the narrative, supported by the motif of loneliness. Connor, Risa, and Lev are abandoned by those who were supposed to take care of them. As Unwinds, they are the “Others,” not part of the general populous. The law that allows them to be unwound was put into place before they were born, meaning the conflict between them and the many is both individual and collective. This reality underscores the trauma they experience, as well as the depth of that trauma as it reaches into all facets of their lives. They are, individually, abandoned by their parents and loved ones, deemed expendable. Collectively, they are part of the Unwound group, sanctioned to die for the “greater good” by their government. Each of the characters must struggle to fight for their own survival by escaping the law and making it to the Graveyard, where the minority Unwinds can live safely until they turn 18. Shusterman enacts a riveting coming-of-age