Throughout the novel, the Sorensons demonstrate that family bonds are unbreakable. The strength of family bonds is exemplified in the relationship between Wendy and Violet. The two are “Irish twins,” having been born within a year of each other, and being so close in age has bound them together for life. Wendy feels that she will never be closer to anyone because no one else has witnessed life from her perspective. In addition to being sisters, they are best friends.

However, they betray and hurt each other repeatedly throughout the novel. Violet sleeps with Wendy’s ex-boyfriend, fathers a child with him, and never tells her about it. Wendy hires somebody to find Jonah without telling Violet, bringing Violet’s son back into their lives against Violet’s express wishes. Violet, for her part, proves unwilling to be with Wendy when Wendy needs her most—during her stillbirth and the death of her husband. At one point, Violet tells Wendy that she does not want to be a part of her life anymore. Still, the two never stay apart for long, and they reconcile as the novel ends. The durability of their relationship demonstrates that Wendy and Violet are always connected, even when they do not wish to be.