The theme of family permeates the entire novel, as all families, regardless of nationality, were critically affected by the war. Given the vast number of children who were orphaned or displaced and the number of babies born as a result of rape, traditional family structure was fragmented, and individuals were forced to create new networks of connection—or reject family and intimacy altogether. Such is the dilemma for the characters in Salt to the Sea. All have lost family, in one way or another, and together they must figure out how to repair old wounds and create kinship with strangers.

From its first pages, the novel asks us to consider whether the family structure will survive: Can the characters overcome past hurts and create a new kind of family? As challenging as it is to survive the extreme weather, starvation, and military attacks, the characters equally struggle with trust, intimacy, and bonding. War’s traumatic impact on the human connection is clear: Love is a source of pain and suffering. Memories of home both haunt and comfort the protagonists. This does not, however, stop them from longing for closeness.

Although forging new connections is scary, doing so is ultimately the only way to emotional freedom.