Genre
Novel
Setting and Context
The novel is written in the context of modern America.
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Sad, expectant, subdued, positive
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonists are Avis, Bashkim and Roberta.
Major Conflict
The major conflict occurs when the 8-year-old Bashkim witnesses his father beating his mother repeatedly. The boy experiences difficulties throughout his life because his parents are refugees.
Climax
The climax is attained when the life of all characters come together.
Foreshadowing
Avis loneliness foreshadows her unhappiness in her later years after her son joins the police force. Similarly, violence foreshadows Bashkim’s mother’s death.
Understatement
Luis injury incident is understated. The reader realizes that he was involved in a terrorist attack that left his close friend dead. Many other people were killed in the attack.
Allusions
The story alludes to the struggles refugees go through, as demonstrated in Bashkim’s life.
Imagery
The imagery of the ice cream truck is prevalent throughout the book. For instance, the image of the ice cream truck reminds him of the commitment to enjoy life despite his hardships.
Paradox
The main paradox is that Bashkim is hurt by the people who are meant to help him.
Parallelism
Victimhood and hopelessness stories in the novel are parallel to each other.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
The ice cream truck is personified as having the ability to bring joy to kids when they see it.
