This novel is, at its most basic level, about a family literally and figuratively trying to find each other. Before it begins, Folarin has to decide between his family’s safety and the importance of speaking out. He believes strongly in bravery and the need to inform people about tragedy, which drives him to speak out against his corrupt government. This decision results in his wife’s death and his children’s being sent to England to keep them safe. He made this initial choice to put the truth first but spends the rest of the novel trying to rectify some of the damage this decision caused. Because Folarin lies to get into England to find his children, he demonstrates that while speaking out is extremely important to him, finding his children and keeping them safe is his top priority.

Despite their physical separation, Sade remains emotionally tied to Folarin, and her loyalty lies with him. Her father taught her to always tell the truth, but because she wants to keep her brother and her father safe, she lies multiple times. She makes this choice, but she is not at peace with it. As the novel progresses, she dives deeper and deeper into shame and self-disgust.