The Elephant In The Room

“It took some time for them to get used to the fact that they were facing a crisis. It was sharp in the beginning and time turned it to something deep and dull and even more difficult. It turned into their new reality.”

The most challenging aspect of Oya's absence is the prolonged waiting. What begins as hopeful anticipation turns into a grueling eight-month ordeal with no signs of progress or relief. Sila and her father grapple with feelings of powerlessness, unable to influence or expedite their circumstances. As the days pass without resolution, they struggle to adapt to this change while the world around them is unperturbed, oblivious to their plight.

“But since her mother had gone, Sila could hear every train that rattled past. She watched through the glass and imagined all the people traveling and felt her stomach knot. They all had somewhere to go.”

Sila experiences a sense of confinement amid her circumstances, feeling trapped by the challenges surrounding her. What once seemed insignificant now looms as a source of irritation and anxiety for her, with the train serving as a symbol of her mounting frustrations and burdens.

“Is something better because you don’t see it all the time?”

Alp often communicates his thoughts through probing questions, fostering deep contemplation. This specific inquiry serves as a reminder of a recurring motif in the narrative: the power of the unseen. Even though Oya and Lillian are physically absent, their influence continues to shape the characters' lives. Similarly, the rarity of palm trees in Sila's environment does not inherently elevate them over commonplace pine trees.

“One of the rules when she went with her dad on work trips was to approach everyone she met not just with respect but also with caution. You shouldn’t trust someone, she had been taught, until you really knew the person.”

Sila initially approaches Gio cautiously, but their shared connection to Lillian, Gio's late wife, fosters a bond. However, Sila's guardedness raises the fundamental questions: How well can one truly know another person? When is it safe to trust others? Sila's ongoing battle to trust people during her mother's absence is a barrier between her and the surrounding community.

“Now he was a lottery winner with no money worries, no wife, an achy body, and a lot of time on his hands. […] Gio was in a hole that can appear when a person doesn’t feel needed.”

Following his wife's passing, Gio grapples with deep-seated loneliness. Winning the lottery exacerbates his isolation, prompting him to quit his job and sever ties with his colleagues. Displaced and increasingly aware of his isolation, Gio begins to grasp its impact. His empathy for Sila and the profound sadness he observes in her ultimately inspire him to extend a helping hand.

“A rainbow suddenly appeared in the sky. It formed an arch high above their heads that felt to Sila like destiny as Chester opened the back of the truck. Because that’s when Sila met Veda.”

Destiny emerges as a recurring motif in the narrative, with seemingly chance encounters setting the stage for significant character development. Sila's encounter with Veda exemplifies this theme, as her delight in seeing the elephant prompts Gio to make the pivotal decision to purchase her. This event also underscores the pervasive ripple effect that shapes the novel's narrative, showcasing how small actions can lead to profound consequences.

“Suddenly something shifted inside him, and he felt a kind of steadiness take hold that had been missing since Lillian died. Maybe his whole life had led to this. A man with not much to do but a ton of money meets an elephant that has been riding around in a truck for years. Trapped. Alone. Wasn’t this a perfect match? This had to be the reason he’d won 1/24 of the Powerball millions! This had to be why he’d bought acres and acres of land surrounded by a ridiculously high stone wall! This had to be why he’d kept a mechanic’s business card with an elephant logo for three years in a brass bowl and then moved it with his belongings to the farmhouse. This was why Sila and her father had shown up to fix the old truck.”

Destiny and the ripple effect intersect once more as Gio reflects on his decision to purchase Veda. Contemplating his past, Gio realizes that various seemingly insignificant actions, such as retaining a business card, have ultimately culminated in this pivotal moment of acquiring an elephant. This realization highlights how the ripple effect of past events can converge to shape significant outcomes, underscoring the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate events in life's journey.

“Sila was growing more confused by the moment. ‘I’m not sure why you picked me.’ ‘Well, to start, you’re both bilingual.’ Sila was shocked. ‘The other person speaks Turkish?’ ‘Spanish.’ ‘Oh. Okay, but I don’t know what you’re asking me to do.’ ‘You will be excused twenty minutes early from class. And you and your assigned partner will meet in the library.’”

Although the narrative showcases numerous characters displaying profound empathy, there are moments, such as this one, where empathy seems to falter. While the school's intention to facilitate interaction between Sila and Mateo reflects a well-meaning effort, their approach demonstrates a glaring lack of understanding of Sila's individuality and cultural background. This instance underscores the importance of genuine empathy and cultural sensitivity in fostering meaningful connections and support systems within a community.

“After that day, Sila realized, the other kids didn’t accept Mateo for being different as much as ignore him. She was guilty of that as well, which felt messed up now that she thought about it.”

Sila contemplates Mateo's transformation from a chatty student to a silent one, recognizing that rather than accepting Mateo for who he is, others choose to ignore him. This realization prompts Sila to reflect on her past interactions with Mateo, acknowledging her unkindness toward him. In this moment, Sila empathetically considers Mateo's perspective and recognizes her role in perpetuating his isolation, underscoring the theme of The Role of Empathy in Cultivating Relationships.

“The circus people could teach her to do many things. But they could not teach her to trust them. Or to ever forget her past. It had been twenty-one years. Veda shut her eyes and saw her mother. This happened every night. When you miss someone that deeply, the feeling can last for your own forever.”

On her first night at Gio's farm, Veda reminisces about her past life in the circus, revealing a deep longing for her mother. This yearning for maternal connection mirrors Sila's own desire to reunite with her mother, highlighting a pervasive theme of longing for family throughout the novel. Veda’s perspective reveals that the theme of Overcoming Isolation Through Family and Community Bonds transcends species.

“Does anyone really own another living thing? I think you can only own stuff like sleeping bags and microwaves. The other things are just what you’re supposed to take care of.”

Sila's comment underscores a significant shift in attitude toward animal rights depicted in the novel. Unlike the circus, which viewed Veda solely as a source of revenue and neglected her basic veterinary needs, Gio and Sila perceive Veda as a living being deserving of care and support. This contrast highlights the evolving empathy and understanding toward animals portrayed in the story, reflecting the theme of Solidarity and Advocacy in the Face of Injustice.

“The pattern of Sila’s sweater shows the ethnic, cultural, and religious pluralism that comes from one of the oldest points of civilization. Her family is Turkish. […] She has reasons for wanting to wear the sweater.”

This pivotal moment marks the transition of Sila and Mateo's relationship from acquaintances to friends. Mateo demonstrates empathy and compassion by standing up for Sila's choices to a teacher, showcasing his understanding of her perspective and the role of empathy in cultivating relationships. Furthermore, Mateo's interest in Sila's cultural background, evident in his comments about the sweater, highlights his willingness to connect with her on a deeper level. Through this interaction, Sila recognizes that despite their differences in communication, Mateo possesses a fundamentally kind nature.

“She believed she hadn’t said goodbye to her mother in the right way when she left. They both thought they’d be seeing each other very soon. She wished she could do it all over again. Goodbyes were more important than they appeared to be.”

Sila's journey of healing is nonlinear. While she initially finds solace in her budding friendship with Gio and her interactions with Veda, moments of grief still occasionally overwhelm her. For instance, when Mateo fails to say goodbye, it triggers a flood of unresolved emotions related to her mother's departure. This fluctuation in Sila's emotional state underscores the complexity of the healing process and the lingering impact of past traumas.

“If he was the Quiet King, she could be the Quiet Queen. It required some focus to keep your mouth shut. Since the day her mother had gone, she had that ability. Not much distracted her because she had the big distraction now. It was the thing that had changed the color of every room. But after she met Veda, the crush of missing her mother could be lifted by thinking of the elephant.”

Sila and Mateo's evolving friendship encounters some hurdles. Initially, Sila struggles to decipher Mateo's communication style, misinterpreting his silence as disinterest. This quote also illustrates the magnitude of Sila's grief and its transformative impact on her personality. Additionally, the quote underscores how Veda's presence helps Sila's healing journey, offering her solace and companionship through her grief.

“Then he started thinking about Saturday. Why did Sila ask him to go with her? Could he trust her to be nice to him? What if it was some kind of trap? The kids at school had teased him in the past and he had learned to keep his guard up.”

This chapter, narrated from Mateo's viewpoint, reveals his genuine excitement about seeing Veda, despite his disinterested appearance. However, similar to Sila, Mateo harbors concerns about the upcoming Saturday. This quote sheds light on Mateo's internal struggles and the underlying reasons for his reluctance to forge connections with others.

“‘I appreciate the caring part, but we can’t worry about disaster all the time.’

‘I don’t think I do that. Do you think I do that?’

Sila nodded. ‘Because of Mom.’”

While the narrative primarily centers on Sila's anguish in her mother's absence, this scene offers a glimpse into how Oya's absence impacts Alp. Furthermore, the conversation illustrates Sila's significant progress toward healing. Instead of suppressing her emotions, she courageously articulates them to her father, recognizing that doing so may unsettle him but that a change is needed.

“Sila wasn’t sure why she was including Mateo. He could be annoying. But at the same time, it didn’t feel right to leave him out. […] [W]hat difference did it make if he only wanted tuna fish for lunch or if he kicked the back of her seat? He didn’t ever judge what she did—at least she couldn’t think of a time that he had.”

Sila's journey toward understanding and accepting Mateo takes another significant stride. Despite the occasional irritation caused by Mateo's behaviors, Sila introspectively realizes that her annoyance is more about herself than Mateo. This evolving empathy and understanding enables Sila to foster connections and integrate Mateo more deeply into their community, illustrating the role of empathy in cultivating relationships.

“They are saying it’s to show we used our time wisely, whatever that means. But it’s really so that we remember what we like years later when we reread it. At least that’s what I think. There hasn’t been a lot about this school year I want to remember. I’m hoping the summer is different.”

As the story unfolds, Sila becomes more honest and trusting with those around her. She discusses a summer journaling project with Rosa in this conversation and shares her sentiments about the past year. By admitting her struggles, Sila opens herself up to Rosa and Mateo, including them in her circle. The vulnerability of her reflections underscores the theme of overcoming isolation through family and community bonds.

“At night when Veda drifted off to sleep she could not believe her good fortune. The endless road was over. She had been released from prison into a world filled with kindness. She could now remember the things from the past that brought her joy. In a daze before sleep she would see her mother. Veda felt her giving her strength.”

As Sila undergoes her healing journey, Veda, too, experiences a transformation. This quote underscores the injustice of Veda's prolonged captivity in the circus and its detrimental impact on her well-being. Liberated from the confines of circus life, Veda begins to rediscover happiness. Her nightly reflections on her mother no longer evoke anguish but serve as a source of resilience and fortitude.

“He had read his books and worked not to flap his hands or do something that might cause a disruption. Isn’t that what they wanted from him? To make things easier for the other kids? Mateo had feelings and thoughts and ideas about everything. In the past he had found that they were often ignored or treated as meaningless by people who didn’t understand how he expressed himself. He was different from a lot of kids.”

This quote encapsulates Mateo's internal struggle with his autism and the societal pressure to conform to neurotypical behavior. It highlights Mateo's conscientious effort to suppress his natural tendencies in order to fit in, revealing the deep-seated desire for acceptance. Despite his efforts, Mateo grapples with the frustration of being misunderstood and undervalued, emphasizing the isolation he experiences due to his differences. For Mateo, Sila is his first friend in a long time. Mateo feels comfortable being himself around her, highlighting the interconnected themes of overcoming isolation through family and community bonds and the role of empathy in cultivating relationships.

“Mateo didn’t have the same reactions to things as most kids. The key to their friendship was to not expect him to.”

Sila and Mateo's friendship underscores the importance of understanding and accepting individual differences in fostering genuine connections. This quote highlights the need to embrace and accommodate Mateo's unique way of interacting with the world, rather than expecting him to conform to societal norms. By recognizing and respecting Mateo's distinct perspectives and responses, Sila demonstrates empathy and compassion, laying the foundation for their meaningful bond.

“In difficult times, thinking about the past could be a savior for him. But since Sila and Mateo and Veda were in his life, he could also find comfort in the future. It belonged to them.”

Gio's quote underscores the reciprocal nature of relationships within the community, demonstrating how mutual support and understanding lead to personal growth for all involved. Through his interactions with Sila, Mateo, and Veda, Gio finds renewed purpose and companionship, ultimately overcoming his loneliness and embracing a hopeful outlook on the future. This quote highlights the transformative power of genuine connections and collective support in fostering individual well-being and emotional fulfillment.

“Oya Tekin had a serious immigration issue. But Oya Tekin also had a grievance for wrongful employment termination from the hotel. She had the making of a workplace retaliation lawsuit. Were her firing and the immigration issue connected? Or was it all just a terrible coincidence?”

This quote underscores a pivotal moment where the Tekins, particularly Oya, begin to reclaim agency in the face of injustice. By leaning on their community and seeking support from Rosa, they take proactive steps toward addressing Oya's situation. It highlights the importance of solidarity and advocacy in the face of injustice.