Little Secrets

The novel explores Conflict and Loyalty in Intimate Relationships within the context of Marin Machado’s and McKenzie Li’s experiences. Marin’s chapters contextualize these themes within Marin’s marriage to Derek Machado and her friendship with Sal Palermo. McKenzie’s chapters of the novel recontextualize these notions within her affair with Derek and her history with Sal, or J.R. For Marin, discovering that her husband is having an affair upsets her definitions of love and loyalty. Although her marriage has grown strained since her son’s disappearance, she still believes that “Derek is the love of her life” and is hopeful that they’ll work through their grief and guilt together (80). This is why she directs her anger at McKenzie instead of at Derek after Vanessa Castro tells her that Derek is cheating on her. She’s reluctant to let go of the last person in her family. Meanwhile, she tries to sustain her friendship with Sal because he is the only other person in her life that she loves and trusts. These relationships dictate how Marin sees herself and understands her reality. Her impulsive decisions throughout the novel are begotten of her longing for intimacy and closeness.