What violet teaches all of us about autonomy

Some readers see Violet as too perfect, too lucky, too detached. Adults cluster around her, wringing their hands over what’s best, while Violet seems unmoved.

Emily understands and respects her daughter’s moral compass and private will—a superpower used only when necessary. Violet deflects attention from her gifts and covers her mistakes quickly.

As she grows, she sees right and wrong clearly but avoids conflict—until she can’t. When she finally takes sides, her autonomy earns respect from peers. It’s also a weapon. And when Violet chooses to wield it, we learn she’s been keeping score all along.