Handful and Sarah’s friendship forms the backbone of this novel, making friendship a dominant theme. Their unconventional relationship and their regard for one another create a substantial, life changing support system for each woman. In this novel, friendship transcends extremes of social position, class, and race.

By beginning the novel in their childhood, Kidd explores the way in which each woman grows up and grows in terms of this relationship. Both women receive great gifts from this friendship, yet each woman also experiences this friendship as a burden and responsibility. In this manner, Kidd depicts the complexity of a particular relationship in a specific time while also offering a view of the transcendence available through friendship. Kidd indicates that through the power of friendship, each person becomes more than they were before.

For example, Sarah receives the gift of insight from Handful that her mind is enslaved, though her body is free. Without this knowledge, Sarah would not have been able to decide to live independently or to become an abolitionist. Sarah also experiences her relationship with Handful as a responsibility with a tremendous moral burden, through her promise to Charlotte to help Handful attain freedom.

In turn, Handful experiences pity on many occasions for Sarah, particularly when she loses the dream of becoming a lawyer, or for her speech impediment.