My Friends

The novel’s central image is a painting titled The One of the Sea. From a distance, the painting appears to be an abstract depiction of sky and sea. Only by moving in and looking closely can a viewer see the four figures on the pier. Contrary to its title, however, the painting isn’t about the sea at all, but about the depth of friendship and the ways art can capture feelings that transcend words. Louisa comments that she’s “never even seen it. But she’s memorized every inch of blue on that painting. It’s her happiest place” (16). Louisa intuitively sees that grief and love are embedded beneath the surface. Within the brushstrokes lie secrets that are revealed over the course of the novel, such as the chili sauce, the flowers symbolizing Joar’s mom, and the story behind how Kimkim paid for the paint. The figures are nearly invisible, reflecting how much of their connection was unspoken or misunderstood by others. The painting becomes a visual metaphor for memory, for the subtle ways people shape each other’s lives even when they’re no longer physically present.

The painting symbolizes the intersection of creativity and friendship, highlighting how both can serve as lifelines during difficult moments and how artistic creation can emerge from pain and displacement, highlighting the theme of