Readers are drawn into the author's world in "Monkey Beach" through the unique structure of

the story. The novel's use of alternating timelines, flashbacks, and memory immerses the
readers in the protagonist's journey. By weaving together past and present, the story reveals
layers of depth and complexity, which draws the readers in as they try to piece together the
puzzle of the protagonist's life. Additionally, the theme of family is present throughout the story,
this theme compels me to relate to the story.

As I read "Monkey Beach," the theme of family is shown many times throughout the book as an
important aspect of indigenous communities. The way the author portrays family is through the
protagonist, Lisa, and the way she interacts with her relatives and community members, this
novel shows the deep familial relationships that are rooted in Indigenous culture and tradition.
This highlighting of family dynamics and culture connects with me, as I as well, see family and
my culture as an essential part of my life. As the story continues the theme of family starts to
become more apparent, with each interaction with Lisa and her family we start to see how family
plays a very large role in indigenous culture. For example, in this quote, “One of Dad's cousins
had died a year earlier and we were invited to the settlement feast” (Robinson, 55). The author
portrays a very tight-knit family in this quote. We also see how Lisa’s extended family comes
together to mourn the death of a cousin. Later on, it also shows Lisa is friends with her various
cousins and that there is an ease in the way the children spend time at each other's houses as
extensions of their own homes. This connects with me as I was brought up in a very tight-knit
family where everyone knows each other and we all see each other as close family members.
The author also invites the readers to see the complexities of family dynamics and how they
shape a person's experiences. Lisa Marie's reluctance to share certain experiences is shown in
this quote, ”As I was getting ready for school that night, Mom asked me what I did and I told her
about everything except Ma-ma-oo and the Octopus Beds. I was uncomfortable sharing it with
her. It felt like it was something private" (Robinson, 80). It shows the nature of relationships with
family and the boundaries we cross to share our innermost experiences with loved ones. This
quote makes me think about personal interactions with my own family, emphasizing the
importance of understanding and respecting these boundaries.

In conclusion, "Monkey Beach" is a good exploration of the theme of family, weaving together
personal narratives, cultural heritage, and intergenerational connections to create a deeply
moving portrait of family relations. Through its unique structure and way of storytelling, the novel
invites readers to reflect on their own familial experiences and recognize the enduring
importance of family in shaping our identities and sense of belonging.