All In

In All In, the concept of family is explored not as a matter of biological relation but as a bond forged in the crucible of suffering and protective loyalty. The novel contrasts the deep-seated dysfunction of the characters’ biological families with the supportive kinship they find in the Naturals program. This redefinition suggests that true family is a chosen, resilient unit, providing the emotional foundation necessary for the characters to confront both external threats and their own internal demons.

The narrative consistently portrays biological families as sources of pain and rejection, driving the teenagers to seek belonging elsewhere. Sloane’s relationship with her estranged father, Grayson Shaw, is a clear example of this failure. She spends her life as his secret, and his cold dismissal during their encounter at the Majesty casino underscores the emotional void left by their blood connection. Similarly, Michael’s father trades him to the FBI and uses lavish gifts as payment to make up for physical abuse, corrupting the very notion of paternal care. These painful histories are the common ground upon which the Naturals connect. The characters’ reliance on each other stems directly from the fact that their biological families have failed to provide the safety, acceptance, and love they need to heal.