The book poignantly depicts Ana's struggle with the loss of her parents and childhood trauma, showing how deeply such events shape a person's life and the difficulty of processing the past.

Growing up between war-torn Croatia and supposedly safe America, Ana struggles with questions of identity. Her return to her homeland becomes a journey to her roots and a search for belonging.

Memories play a central role in the book, both haunting and strengthening Ana. The story demonstrates the importance of confronting the past to live in the present and future.