Salt to the Sea

Salt to the Sea

by

Ruta Sepetys

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Salt to the Sea: 108. Joana Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Emilia pretends to sleep. Joana knows she must raise her spirits and convince her to nurse, for the health of the baby, but also to avoid suspicion.
Without her fantasy, Emilia has difficulty dealing with her trauma. Joana cares about Emilia and her child, both from the perspective of her nurse and her friend. 
Themes
Storytelling and Fantasy  Theme Icon
Memory and Survival  Theme Icon
Family and Community vs. Selfishness  Theme Icon
Alfred comes to speak to Joana. She assumes he needs help with his hands, but instead he asks if she would like to take a walk with him sometime. Joana explains she’s busy with work, and is surprised he is not busier as well. 
Alfred has developed a crush on Joana. He prioritizes the potential of a romantic connection above his own professional duties, and doesn’t even consider that Joana would be too busy saving lives to pay attention to him.
Themes
Family and Community vs. Selfishness  Theme Icon