In Butler’s novel, family relationships are depicted in complex ways, and characters display both fierce loyalty and sometimes cruel betrayal towards their family members. The triangular relationship between Larkin, Lauren, and Marcus reflects a sense of rivalry between Lauren and Marcus and their competition for Larkin’s love and loyalty. Lauren and Marcus are strong, charismatic leaders with a keen interest in religion. Their similarities end up bringing them into conflict; as Larkin notes, Lauren “recognized […] characteristic[s] in Uncle Marc, but I don’t believe she ever saw it clearly in herself” (307). At first, Lauren is delighted to find Marcus after believing he is dead, but she quickly becomes frustrated with his insubordination and ingratitude, complaining that “but for us and our dump, he would still be a slave and a whore!” (141).

Later on, Lauren feels intensely betrayed both when Marcus will not believe her about what happened at Camp Christian and when he will not help her look for Larkin. The ultimate betrayal comes when Lauren learns that Marcus has lied and kept her apart from her daughter for decades. Even at the end of her life, Lauren reflects, “how completely, how thoroughly he has stolen my child.