Not Nothing

Josey is an archetypal figure in the story, representing the wise elder or mentor in Alex’s life. When Josey is first introduced, he is a silent, almost invisible presence at the retirement home. His age and poor eyesight create an image of someone who is disconnected from the world around him. He has a deep sense of weariness, as expressed in his reflection: “After a hundred years, you get a little tired of being the last one left in a conversation. You get a little tired of everything, really” (32). This quote demonstrates Josey’s feelings of isolation, being the only survivor among his peers and feeling like a relic of the past who is waiting to reunite with his loved ones.

Josey is at first struck by Alex’s cleverness and the way he seems desperate for acceptance and support, much like Olka was when Josey first met her. His initial words to Alex after five years of silence are simple but demonstrate this well: “[S]mart boy” (32). When Alex comes to Josey’s room and knocks down the painting of Olka, it causes Josey to cry out her name, and it breaks the initial wall between them. It is as though Olka chose for Alex to be the one to whom Josey would tell their story.

Josey’s past is still closely tied to his relationship with Olka, a fierce and determined woman whom he met when she worked as a seamstress at his family’s clothing store. Despite their differences, they form a bond when Olka challenges Josey’s privileged background, calling him out for having soft hands. This moment shows the disparity between their lives and sets the stage for their evolving relationship, in which Josey learns humility and self-awareness through his love for Olka. Josey is also a Holocaust survivor: Sharing his memories of trauma and loss with Alex opens Alex’s eyes to the reality of historical injustices and helps Josey work through his painful memories.

Josey’s transformation comes at the end of his life, showing that Finding Redemption through Community can never come too late, and that personal change is always possible at every age. Through meeting Alex and sharing Olka’s story, Josey helps Alex see his own potential to make the world a more loving place: “And, as had become almost a reflex for him, he thought once again of you, Olka. Going from this frightened angry person to being a spy, a hero. If you could do it, maybe Maya-Jade could. Maybe he could. Maybe anyone could” (219). In doing so, Josey fulfills his own potential and can die knowing that he left behind a legacy worth carrying on.

Maya-Jade is a secondary character defined by her emotional depth, resilience, and growth after meeting Alex. At 12 years old, Maya-Jade is already thrust into a role of responsibility, as she worries about her mother’s health regularly. This traumatic experience causes Maya-Jade to experience stress, panic, and emotional difficulties. The weight of this responsibility makes her more vulnerable. Maya-Jade gives the impression that she is at Shady Glen as a volunteer, but Alex later learns that she was sent there so her mother could heal from chemo over the summer. Maya-Jade’s relationship with Alex is complicated; initially, Alex dislikes her, but his feelings evolve as he gets to know her better.

Maya-Jade’s maturity is evident early on when she reveals a key part of her life: Her mother’s battle with cancer. In an important moment, Maya-Jade decides to face her fears, asking her mother to attend the fair despite her illness. This marks a turning point in Maya-Jade’s emotional development, where she learns to cope with and confront her fears directly. Maya-Jade cites Olka as the inspiration for this change, because she sees Olka’s bravery as something worth aspiring to.

Maya-Jade’s empathy and capacity for forgiveness are shown when she learns that Alex hurt Toby Crawford. Initially, she takes time to process her feelings, but she ultimately defends Alex when he needs her most in court. Her willingness to stand by Alex despite his flaws showcases the power of connection. Maya-Jade also illustrates The Importance of Fighting for Love, particularly in her support of Ginny and Dickie’s love story. In the end, Maya-Jade and Alex come together to bring the best out of the residents of Shady Glen, creating Operation Rise in an effort to share stories of redemption.

Olka was the love of Josey’s life, as he was once engaged to her. Her personal transformation is central to the message that Josey passes along to Alex about human beings’ capacity for change. As Josey narrates, he is talking to Olka, always keeping her memory alive. 

Olka is characterized by her fierce independence, determination, and rebellious spirit. She is first introduced when she begins working at the clothing store, where she is seen as cutting and short-tempered. Her frustration is rooted in the constraints placed on her, particularly her inability to pursue her dream of attending university. As a seamstress in Josey’s family’s clothing store, she is forced to confront the limitations of her social class, which leads her to express her anger openly. Olka’s sharp words to Josey, calling him out for his privileged background, serve as a catalyst for the love that develops between them. Olka’s directness challenges Josey’s worldview, forcing him to confront his assumptions about wealth, power, and privilege. She compares their hands, noting how scarred and worn hers are while his remain pristine.

Olka’s resilience shines through when she becomes a spy for the resistance during World War II. Her actions during the war are a reflection of her courage and desire to protect those she loves, making her the embodiment of The Importance of Fighting for Love. She provides Josey with the means to survive and resist, giving him sewing materials to ensure his physical and psychological survival. Her devotion to her cause demonstrates her belief in fighting for what is right, even at the risk of her own life.

Olka’s transformation is notable. She goes from being angry and judgmental to becoming a hero of the resistance, showing people can change. Josey, in particular, reflects on Olka’s growth, and how Alex is inspired by her courage. Olka’s legacy, therefore, is not just in her actions during the war, but in the way her personal story reflects the overarching human capacity for change and growth.