Rose In This One Summer Novel Analysis

Topics discussed in both books

Sexuality in the novels

The theme of sexuality is incredibly prevalent in both novels. There are multiple definitions of sexuality as stated in Dictionary.com ranging from the “possession of the structural and functional traits of sex” and “recognition of or emphasis upon sexual matters” to “involvement in sexual activity” (Sexuality, 2015). Though for Rose in This One Summer, the topic of sexuality is not as blatantly out there as it is for Gabi. With Rose, the idea of sexuality and sexual activity grows in the background of everything happening at her vacation, whereas with Gabi, the idea of sexuality and sexual activity is incredibly prevalent and is a main theme in the novel.

Rose and Windy, in contrast to the other women are very naïve in sexuality. Gabi, however, while she herself doesn’t have experience in the beginning of the novel about sex, isn’t as naïve as Rose, and is

And like the men, none of the stereotypes are exactly ones portrayed in a good light. In Rose’s case, she is surrounded by women: her mother, her aunt, Windy, Windy’s mother and grandmother, as well as the girls in Awago Beach, but her relationship with all of them is strained throughout the graphic novel. Rose is trying to desperately become older, something many children want to happen, acting like a pseudo-mother to Windy. This is similar to Gabi who, due to her father’s issues, has become the second parent in the family, trying to play adult to her younger siblings and in a sense is a parent to her friends Sebastian and Cindy with their own issues. Rose’s mother is trying to recover from a miscarriage from a year prior and is struggling mentally and physically to get through that as well as maintaining a relationship with her daughter. Though Gabi’s mother doesn’t have a miscarriage, she is at odds with her daughter with the idea of Gabi leaving and going to