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Key themes:

1. Family relationships
The story focuses on the bond between mother and daughters, showing both love and difficulty within family life.

2. Growing up and responsibility
The children often have to act more mature than their age, highlighting how some young people take on adult responsibilities too early.

3. Mental health and emotional wellbeing
The book sensitively explores how a parent’s mental health can affect family life and emotional stability.

4. Identity and belonging
Dolphin, in particular, struggles to understand where she fits in and what kind of life she wants for herself.

5. Love, loyalty and conflict
Despite challenges, there is deep love within the family, alongside moments of tension and frustration.