Lotus

Lotus deals extensively with trauma and its long-lasting effects. Several of the characters have traumatic experiences, such as Clem’s sexual abuse at Travis’s hands, Oliver’s kidnapping, and the loss, confusion, and devastation Oliver’s loved ones feel during his long captivity. Throughout the narrative, the novel explores the impact of trauma on survivors and their loved ones.

The loss of Oliver generates trauma for Oliver’s family and friends. The kidnapping caused Sydney deep pain, leading her to “build walls” and forgo relationships. Gabe, too, is affected by the experience. For years he hosted a July 4th party to honor Oliver and keep his memory alive, which speaks to how deeply he felt Oliver’s loss. When Oliver comes back, Sydney sees him and notes, “[Gabe] gazes up at me with the most haunting expression I’ve ever seen” (23). Sydney, too, uses “haunting” diction to describe how Oliver’s kidnapping negatively impacted her, suggesting that even though Oliver was still alive, both Sydney and Gabe were impacted by his absence and the mystery surrounding his disappearance. 

At the same time, Oliver also experiences some problems when trying to reconnect with his loved ones, as they do not always understand how to be effective in their care and support of him.