Xenocide

“But she was still a woman; even revolutionaries are allowed to have a life, aren’t they? Moments of joy—or pleasure, or perhaps only relief—stolen here and there.”

Valentine is characterized as hardworking, and she often puts work before her family and personal life. She feels guilty about taking time for herself, and she rationalizes that, as a person, she is entitled to self-care. The conflict between her desires to be productive and to take a break is also intended to be relatable to the audience, as many people experience similar feelings.

“But such a nihilistic act was not in him, not yet. He had not yet despaired, he decided. There might yet me something he could do that might justify his continuing to live in this body. And perhaps it would begin with meeting Andrew’s sister.”

Miro experiences resentment and self-pity after his brain injury, but his defining characteristic is his altruism. He finds meaning by using his knowledge, thoughts, and experiences to help save the Pequeninos and humans. This line also demonstrates the common message in the book that people cannot predict where the solutions to their problems might be found.

“Parents always make their worst mistakes with the oldest children. That’s when parents know the least and care the most, so they’re more likely to be wrong and also more likely to insist that they’re right.”

Parenting is a secondary theme developed in the story. Valentine loves her children, but she considers herself to be a poor mother, as she prioritizes her career over her family. While speaking with Miro, who is the oldest of the Rebeira children, she admits her faults through a universal piece of wisdom. Along with characterizing Valentine, Miro, and Novinha, the line is also intended to be relatable to readers who experience similar difficulties.