One True Loves

Blair Books, the bookstore run by Emma and Marie’s parents, is an important symbol in One True Loves. The bookstore has been in the family for two generations, having been founded by Emma’s paternal great-uncle; there is a clear hope for it to continue being a family business, with one of the girls taking over. Because of this, the bookstore perfectly symbolizes family, particularly familial expectations and the parts of identity tied to family. For instance, Marie is seen as the ideal daughter, popular and well-read, and set to take over the store one day; she even earns the nickname the “Bookseller’s Daughter.” Emma, on the other hand, feels stifled by her parents’ expectations and longs to forge her own identity. As such, she resents the bookstore and everything it stands for, seeing the “Travel the World” bookmarks as symbolizing everything she wants to escape. Emma does precisely this, choosing to leave Acton as soon as she can, seemingly never to return. However, when tragedy strikes and Emma returns home, the bookstore plays an integral role in the process of rebuilding her life. This mirrors the support a grieving Emma receives from her family; she moves back in with her parents, and grows closer to her sister.