Themes

Alienation

Kasienka feels isolated in England. "I thought maybe I'd be exotic….But I am not an English girl in Gdansk. I'm a Pole in Coventry" highlights her struggle to fit in.
She feels different and excluded, especially at school, where she is often left out because she is seen as too different.
Her statement, "The brown children play with the white children; the black children play with the brown children … No one likes too-white, Eastern white, Polish winter white, Vampire-fright white", shows the cultural and racial barriers that make her feel alienated.

Her classmates, especially Clair target Kasienka. "I am their prey and there is nothing I can do to stop their pouncing" captures her helplessness against the constant bullying.
Clair cuts chunks from her hair and spreads rumours, adding to Kasienka's misery.
Despite seeking help, she feels unsupported, as shown by her mother's dismissive attitude: "And all she says is, 'Girls are like this.' As though I'm like this too."
The bullying theme highlights Kasienka's struggle to overcome adversity and find her strength.

Kasienka demonstrates resilience in the face of numerous challenges. Her determination to persevere is evident in her love for swimming. "I have to trust myself, Trust the territory and My own body" shows how swimming gives her confidence and a sense of control.

Even when bullied, she does not follow Clair's orders: "I'd rather eat alone forever than jump at Clair's bidding."
Her ability to stand up to Clair at the end, saying, "Why don't you just piss off," reflects her growth and newfound courage.

Kasienka's journey is also about finding her identity.
Moving to a new country and facing cultural differences makes her question who she is. "If only I knew Kasienka's Kasienka: When I search for myself in the bathroom mirror I cannot find her at all. When I am alone I do not know who I am. When I am alone I am nothing." This shows her struggle with identity.
Throughout the novel, she navigates her Polish heritage and her new life in England, seeking a place where she belongs and finding slivers of it with William and Dalilah.
Her growing confidence and ability to assert herself by the end indicate her progress in understanding and accepting her identity.