The Amalfi Curse

Treasure acts as a motif representing The Intergenerational Struggle for Women’s Independence. Its meaning evolves over the course of the novel. At first, the author uses treasure to examine how men’s greed has posed a grave obstacle to women’s freedom for centuries, aligning with the genre of magical realism’s ability to use supernatural elements to shine a light on real-world problems. For example, the Mazza brothers rob Imelda of her liberty, take her away from her home and family, and treat her as a tool by making her use her magic to find “countless piles of sunken loot” for them (241).

As the story progresses, the novel’s women characters defend their agency and redefine treasure to reflect the things that give their lives true meaning. After Conrad betrays Haven for a chance to seize the gems, she chooses to walk away from the treasure hunt for a time because she understands that there are more important things at stake than an opportunity to become rich. As Mal explains, “You, Haven, don’t give a shit about money. Neither did your dad. [….] [Y]our dad cared most for the joy of the discovery: the pursuit, the adventure, the deep dives with people you love.