Redeeming 6

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

One of the central focuses of Redeeming 6 is Joey’s journey of addiction, sobriety, and final commitment to his recovery. Through his character arc, Walsh offers a nuanced portrait of recovery, highlighting the importance of self-esteem, the support of others, and commitment to the process.

Joey’s addiction affects his self-esteem and perception of himself. He breaks up with Aoife because he believes he is not a good person, seeing himself only in terms of his addiction. Even after they get back together, this thought plagues Joey, who continually looks for reasons for Aoife to leave him. However, Joey views his recovery in a much more binary way than Aoife does, which causes tension in their relationship. Joey continually tells Aoife not to be proud of him “[b]ecause [he’s] not better. [he’s] not cured” (186), while Aoife insists that the most important part of his recovery is the fact that he is trying to get better. By trying alone, Joey shows a strength of character that he doesn’t believe he has until Aoife points it out.