A Land of Permanent Goodbyes

The “helpers” are a dominant motif recurring throughout the book. The motif takes different forms, as many different people take on the role of helper throughout the narrative. There are also unnamed helpers, such as the Greek fishermen that Annis tells of, who take their boats out to search for refugees in the water. The motif of the “helpers” is concretely introduced with the Mr. Rogers quote that prefaces the book and it is carried through until the conclusion. It serves as an important reminder to the reader that, amidst the many dark moments in the narrative, there are also moments of light and hope. In a young adult novel that deals with such tough subjects—war, the refugee experience, rape, poverty—this motif encourages the reader to keep going. The reader’s journey thus, in a small way, parallels Tareq’s, as Tareq likewise finds hope when he starts to recognize the helpers around him. 

Terry’s jacket serves as a tangible symbol for the motif of the helpers. A jacket is something that offers warmth and comfort. The note in the jacket pocket affirms the symbolic significance of this article of clothing, speaking to the fact that even people who are far away—like Sally Martin, in the United States—can be helpers.