Gilly Hopkins's story is told through powerful and direct language. The book emphasizes her stubbornness, defiance, and ultimately, her yearning for love and acceptance. While it has vivid descriptions, the author relies more on:
* Metaphors: These are more subtle comparisons, often without "like" or "as." For example, Gilly's "heart... was a knot of fear" (Chapter 7).
* Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things, like "the silence pressed around her" (Chapter 5).
* Strong verbs and imagery: The book is full of strong verbs that paint a clear picture of Gilly's actions and emotions, like "she slammed the door" or "her eyes narrowed."
Therefore, instead of focusing on specific similes, look for these other literary devices to understand how the book creates its powerful effect.