One Summer in Savannah: A Novel

Content Warning: The section of the guide includes discussion of death, illness, and rape.

“I acknowledge the smothering grip I maintain on Alana. Being a mother is a lesson in impossible love. I know I need to let go. That I will have to. And I have.”

Two primary conflicts concern Sara throughout the novel—how and whether to forgive and when and how to decrease her protective hold on Alana, described here as a “smothering grip.” A major element of Sara’s characterization is her ability to practice self-reflection. Here, the short sentences mimic the back-and-forth process of internal conflict resolution on which Sara is working: She knows that she must let go, but she finds it extremely difficult.

“We are a broken family of five, divided by two, remainder of one.”

Jacob’s thoughts on the fracture of his family introduce The Shifting Definition of Family. Further, the use of math-oriented language here ties into the logical and scientific perspective that Jacob and the Wylers have, which inhibits them from facing emotional conflicts. This quote demonstrates the complexity of familial relationships, including Jacob’s feelings of isolation, and subtly argues that logic alone isn’t sufficient to solve emotional problems.

“Her intelligence affords her the ability to decipher his poetry at this tender age, but she has not yet mastered the ability to speak to him solely in poetry, and my heart sinks at the realization that there no longer is the time for her to learn.”

Sara’s heartbreak at her father’s illness and possible death in this passage ties Alana’s intelligence to the poetry and time motifs. Hosea’s insistence on speaking in verse forces those around him to interpret his meaning. Although Alana can decipher Hosea’s way of speaking, she cannot yet respond exclusively in poetry.