Redeeming 6

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, sexual violence, rape, child abuse, child sexual abuse, substance use, addiction, graphic violence, sexual content, cursing, death, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.

“‘I think that you’ve both been swept up in the throes of first love.’ Both her eyes and her voice softened when she added, ‘And I think that a lot of mistakes can be made when emotion takes the driving seat over logic.’”

This quote comes from Trish when she is questioning Aoife about the possibility of being pregnant. With her comment, the narrative emphasizes the strength of their attraction, using language like “swept up in the throes.” It also highlights their youth and immaturity, establishing the status quo and setting both characters up for a coming-of-age journey.

“‘It’s fairly obvious that the road I’ve been traveling down isn’t exactly aligning with the one Aoife’s on, lad.’

‘And that matters to you?’

‘She matters to me.’”

This exchange is between Joey and Podge when Joey tells his friend about why he broke up with Aoife. Joey takes this stance throughout much of the novel, showing that he doesn’t think he is good for Aoife. This assumption features in both his Addiction and the Road to Recovery, highlighting the connection to his trauma and lack of self-esteem.

“‘All I’m trying to do is protect you.’

‘No —’ Swinging around, she stalked back to me, looking mad as hell. ‘No […] This is not protecting me, Joey. Walking away is not protecting me. Leaving me is not protecting me, dammit!’ Furious, she blinked back her tears and glared up at me. ‘That is not how you treat the person you love, which goes to show that you never loved me the way I loved you.’”

This exchange between Joey and Aoife at the Tommen party shows how Aoife and Joey differ in the ways they think about the relationship. Joey doesn’t understand that Aoife wants to be with him regardless of his problems. His emphasis on protection as fundamental to love emphasizes Joey’s role in his family as caretaker of his younger siblings.