Introduction to Main Characters and Central Conflict
“The Fallout From Finding Emily” by Ryleigh Berkenpas centers on 15-year-old Arlene Kelsey O’Brien, who has spent the past 13 years grappling with the disappearance of her identical twin sister, Emily, who was kidnapped at the age of two. Arlene, a self-professed tomboy, has convinced herself that she doesn’t want to find or know Emily, believing that discovering her kidnapped sister could destroy her family. However, this changes when a teenage boy mistakes Arlene for another girl, sparking the possibility that Emily could be found. This realization forces Arlene to confront her fears and the long-suppressed desire to reconnect with her twin, setting the stage for the novel’s central conflict: the emotional turmoil and family upheaval that come with the potential reunion with her sister.
Important Events of the Story
The novel”The Fallout From Finding Emily” begins with Arlene encountering Laura Jacobsen, a girl who resembles her twin. This meeting shakes Arlene’s resolve and ignites a deep internal conflict. Despite her initial resistance, Arlene embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her sister, which involves navigating her strained family dynamics and dealing with the psychological impact of Emily’s kidnapping. Throughout the story, Arlene faces numerous challenges, including the resurfacing of painful memories and the fear that finding Emily could shatter her already fragile family. The narrative builds up to the climactic moment when Arlene finally meets Emily, leading to a series of revelations and decisions that force Arlene and her family to redefine their relationships and confront their past traumas.
