Multiracial America (motif)
This motif is particularly relevant today, as the United States is becoming more diverse as a result of immigration and interracial marriages. It is explored through the story of Lara and Yevgenia, a mother and daughter from opposing cultural backgrounds. The reader is exposed to the struggles and joys of growing up in a multiracial family through their journey. Readers can see the difficulties of navigating a society that is often hostile to those from different backgrounds in Lara and Yevgenia's story. They can also discover the joys of raising a family of people from various cultures and backgrounds. The novel emphasizes the importance of understanding and celebrating diversity to create a better world.
Rainbow umbrella hat (symbol)
The rainbow umbrella hat represents the search for hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The elderly women's hat serves as a reminder of the importance of finding joy and solace in difficult times. Wearing the hat also serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and community. The hat is a symbol of solidarity and togetherness in the Oasis Mobile Estates, representing the community's and its members' strength. In a place where people are struggling, the hat serves as a reminder of the value of perseverance, resilience, and joy in the face of adversity. The two women are sending a message to Lara and Yevgenia by wearing the hat: no matter how difficult things get, it is possible to find hope and joy amid difficulty.
Inherited Trauma (motif)
Inherited trauma is a common literary motif, especially when it comes to investigating the effects of generational trauma on modern family dynamics. A Country You Can Leave by Asale Angel-Ajani explores inherited trauma through Lara and Yevgenia's strained relationship and the secrets Yevgenia keeps from her daughter. The novel investigates how their shared trauma—Yevgenia's as a Soviet Union refugee and Lara's as a Black woman in a multiracial America—affects and shapes their relationship and lives. Furthermore, the novel delves into how inherited trauma can be passed down to future generations and how it can impede the development of healthy relationships and a sense of self-worth.
Rubber band (symbol)
The rubber band in this passage represents Lara's strained relationship with her mother, Yevgenia. The rubber band is mentioned for the first time when Yevgenia pulls it out of her hair to readjust her appearance before meeting the property manager, Carlos. This represents the strained relationship between mother and daughter, as Yevgenia, despite her efforts to appear presentable and act normally, is still attempting to project a false image of herself and her family. Rubber bands also represent resilience and elasticity. It reminds Yevgenia of her ability to stretch and adjust to whatever situation she finds herself in, no matter how difficult. It's also a symbol of the tenuous connection between Yevgenia and Lara, which is constantly being tested and stretched as they move from place to place and as Lara grows older.
Yearning (motif)
Yearning is a powerful emotion explored throughout the novel as the protagonist, Lara, struggles to find her own identity and independence amid her mother's intense and frequently oppressive parenting style. Lara's longing for connection and recognition, her desire to understand her mother and their past, and her need to find a sense of belonging in a hostile world all express yearning. This yearning motif is also present in the Oasis Mobile Estates, a refuge for the displaced and vulnerable, where Lara and her mother find temporary shelter while looking for something better. The motif of yearning is explored through the characters, their relationships, and the setting, and it is ultimately a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
