Keys, locks, and doors are a continuous motif throughout the book. Each story is itself like an unlocked door into the complicated and often magical world that its characters inhabit, and while the physical objects serve material purposes, they also represent secrets, revelations, or changes.

Keys are often devices to move the stories forward, setting off the inciting incident and figuratively transporting the characters into the rising action of the story. They also connect characters to one another or to other stories within the collection. In “Books and Roses,” Montserrat and Lucy both wear keys and are connected through the objects’ shared mystery. Their keys not only open the doors at the Salazar house but also open the doors to their pasts and lead them to new beginnings. Keys in “Drownings” symbolize freedom. Arkady and Giacomo’s apartment key opens every door in their building, giving them dominion over the place, but by destroying the key, Arkady loses his freedom. Similarly, the key that Eirini the Fair steals from the tyrant frees the kingdom from his rule.

Doors in these collected stories are often portals to new worlds or life stages, glimpses into the past, or introductions to new people.