<p>In this collection, the character of Violet Quesnel is the unifying thread, even though the stories take place in different times and places with different characters? points of view,. Because Violet experiences bi-polar disorder, her existential anxiety is further complicated. She is aware of her outside world but has limited self-awareness. The portrait of Violet that emerges through her family and friends is one of a young woman who has faced down the denial, anger and depression of her bi-polarity, but from Violet herself we learn that she has bargained for her place in the world as a sister, daughter and mother.</p>