SuitabookBecause I am furniture
Thalia Chaltas
- Reading
- Read alongside an opportunity to pause after difficult family scenes. Discuss the distinction between being ignored and being safe, and invite reflection on how the verse layout conveys Anke’s emotions.
- Themes
- Invisibility and worth: Anke feels as insignificant as furniture because her father ignores her while abusing her siblings. She nevertheless questions whether receiving less harmful attention makes her worth less. The book presents her conflicting response as psychologically complicated rather than simple relief, inviting attention to the harm of neglect and comparison.
- Silence and speaking up: Anke knows her father’s treatment is wrong but remains caught between telling the truth and protecting people she cares about. She eventually finds courage to stand up to him. The narrative treats breaking silence as a possible opening towards a new life, while also acknowledging fear and the risk Anke associates with confrontation.
- Sport and identity: Despite her father’s disapproval, Anke joins the volleyball team, becomes a star player and discovers confidence, social connection and a voice. The book presents this favourably.
- Worth knowing
- Expect emotionally intense material involving a father’s physical and emotional abuse of siblings, a mother’s denial and silence, and Anke’s fear about confronting the situation. Romance and school relationships are also present.