Themes
Life after service
After returning from war and making a career for himself, where does George find himself now? Living in a retirement community, does he see reminders of his early-life trauma? Does he feel responsible to educate those who glorify the military?
Marriage
What led Lily to burn George’s letters? This central question affects so much of the story. What did George experience that blocked him from being a good partner? How much of this was his own fault, or the fault of poor re-integration resources? Has he apologized? Has she forgiven him?
Legacy
What does George aim to leave behind? With two adult children and five grown grandchildren, what does he hope for them beyond his impact? As he reckons with the passing of close friends and family members, how does he see his time left?
