Exploration of Sexual Identity
Isabel lives her life alone, avoiding emotional attachment to anyone. Her conservative approach to life makes it harder for her to understand her sexual identity. In the beginning, she disapproves of her older brother dating a man. When she meets Eva, her younger brother's girlfriend, her perspective changes. Eva’s playful kiss catches Isabel off guard, surprising her not because she dislikes it but because she finds herself drawn to it. The relationship between them helps her acknowledge her true identity. The novel emphasizes that exploring sexual identity is a gradual process of self-understanding that starts with self-acceptance, free from societal pressure.
Redemption
The story, set against the backdrop of World War II, reveals how Isabel's grandparents unfairly took a house that originally belonged to a Jewish family. Isabel is meticulous about every detail of the house, taking care of everything and ensuring it looks just as her mother left it.
After Eva's arrival, when household items start going missing, Isabel suspects Eva of stealing them. Later, she discovers that Eva's family originally owned the property and that Eva has been hiding her Jewish identity to claim it back. Isabel feels guilty for owning things that are not hers and even throws Eva out, calling her a thief. Isabel decides to return the items Eva tried to steal to atone for the wrongs done by her grandparents. Even though she cannot change the past, she may still be able to make a small impact on the future.
Familial and Emotional Belonging
Despite being an adult, Isabel has no particular dream of settling down or finding love. She feels secure and stable taking care of her mother's house. Before meeting Eva, Isabel never felt a real sense of belongingness with anyone. Although she knows Eva is her brother’s girlfriend, she falls for her. Eva’s presence makes her realize that her attachment to the house, unfairly taken from a Jewish family, is merely an illusion of stability. A true sense of belonging comes when she offers Eva a place to stay, sharing the house that now belongs to them.
