Champion Swimmer Lost at Sea
The central event of the novel is that Lisa's brother Jimmy has gone missing at sea and is believed to have drowned. This is ironic because Jimmy was a champion competitive swimmer throughout his childhood and adolescence. Although many other family members have died by in the water (Mick, Ba-ba-oo, Miyanus) Jimmy is the most unlikely person to drown. This adds to the mystery of the plot and it is never directly revealed whether or not Jimmy has actually died or escaped somewhere.
Having Visions while Sober
Many people take drugs and drink in order to have an out-of-body psychedelic experience. Lisa on the other hand is more so using substances to escape from her natural visions. Starting when Lisamarie was a child, she has often had fantastical dreams and premonitions that has distinguished her from her friends and family. After her two-year stint living the addict lifestyle in Vancouver, she has nearly lost her magical gifts. This is in order to numb herself from an ability she does not yet know how to manage. Once she returns to Kitamaat and sobers up, her visionary powers return to her.
Bullies Becoming Friends
Lisa is bullied through much of her childhood and one of the main perpetrators of this is a boy named Frank, who even sends Lisa to the hospital at one point. Ironically, Frank goes on to be one of Lisa's best friends; one of the few people who doesn't either die or betray her. Lisa's cousin Erica also goes from being a friend, to a worst enemy, to once again a friend. Lisamarie stands up to Erica's attackers even though the girls have been estranged for years. These shifting relationships show how life often takes unexpected turns.
Psychologist with Spirit Attachments
After Lisamarie's visions escalate, she is taken by her parents for mental health care at the hospital. There, she is treated by a psychologist named Ms. Jenkins, who Lisa perceives to have a spirit attached to her, whispering her suggestions throughout their session. This is ironic because Ms. Jenkins is adamant about Lisamarie admitting that ghosts do not exist, yet she is actually being fed that thought by a ghost.
