Kubica critiques patriarchal, oppressive forms of masculinity. Gabe, Colin, and James struggle with the correlation between masculinity and violence—Gabe critiques it, Colin fights against it, and James allows it to ruin his life. This masculinity is described, in some moments, as imperialism—Mia and Eve are forced into submission because of fear.

Both Eve and Mia are the victims of an imperialistic relationship with James. Mia describes her parents’ relationship based on her mother’s analysis: “[Eve] tells me that it’s called imperialism: a relationship based on dominance and subordination” (244). James forces Eve to speak with an American accent, ignore her British heritage, and act in a way that suits his needs. This is most clear when he locks Eve out of her daughter’s room so she can’t tell Mia not to have an abortion. James physically assaults his wife during this escapade to get his way.

Mia has a similar experience with James’s imperialistic style of masculinity. Though he is her father, he mocks Mia’s success and denounces her dreams. He frequently refers to Mia and Eve as “deluded” (145) because they don’t share his self-serving values. Eve and Mia are free-spirited at heart, though Eve is beaten down by her husband’s neglect and abuse.