The Good Girl

“…Her subconscious or unconscious or something like that is doing it. Putting painful thoughts where she can’t find them.”

In this passage, the characters reflect on Mia’s loss of memory and how her mind is protecting her from herself. Mia’s trauma and the loss of self that exists because of that trauma is a primary theme in the novel. In these early pages, she has no control over her memory or sense of self. 

“Who is this limp woman before me, I wonder, recognizing the face but having no knowledge of the body language or tone of voice or the disturbing silence that encompasses her like a bubble.”

Eve speaks here about the change she has seen in her daughter since her return from the cabin. Mia has become limp, distant, and impossible to reach. Eve grieves her daughter, despite having her at home—though Mia isn’t dead, a part of her missing that doesn’t want to return.

“Oftentimes, Mrs. Dennett, children create imaginary friends to compensate for loneliness or a lack of real friends in their lives.”

Dr. Rhodes speaks to Eve on the phone after Eve discovers the meaning behind Mia’s false name. Dr. Rhodes’ analysis foreshadows the loneliness and neglect of Mia’s childhood. What appears to be a wealthy and loving family is in fact a family suffering from decades of emotional abuse.