The Canyon's Edge

“Rewriting it means I have to think about it.”

Nora’s refusal to rewrite her nightmare reveals her emotional avoidance, a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Instead, she wants to “delete it forever” (7). At the start of the novel, Nora isn’t ready to explore or analyze her feelings about her traumatic experience.

“In Dad’s mind, the only danger in the world is people.”

The random shooting causes Dad to develop PTSD too. He loses trust in others and becomes paranoid and overprotective. His insistence on isolation negatively impacts Nora. Like her, he allows his experience of trauma to define him.

“Facing fear is a skill that must be learned.”

Mary is a firm but understanding presence in Nora’s head, talking her through her fears and self-doubt. Mary helps Nora remember her coping mechanisms and steers her toward healing through self-acceptance and self-confidence.