Storytelling is a motif as well as a device in the novel. Moriarty employs metanarrative, allowing her characters to tell stories within a story, and this asks questions about the nature and purpose of stories, even “true” ones. Sometimes the novel hides the identity of the speaker so as to create narrative suspense and curiosity for the reader; it also points out how the identity of the storyteller can be crucial to understanding the story.

Women build bonds through storytelling and exchanging information. Rose and Grace tell visual stories, supplementing their words with art. Enigma sees storytelling as a means of gaining attention and interest from those around her. Veronika does not enjoy the act of storytelling (or reading/ listening) so much as the act of finding out the answer, and it is this spirit of demanding intrigue that has kept the Scribbly Gum Island business going for decades. The motif of storytelling supports the theme of female solidarity as women exchange confidences through stories, sharing and keeping secrets. Sophie finds comfort in storytelling, repeating the narrative of her parents’ love story and allowing this framework to dominate her worldview.