All My Puny Sorrows

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses suicide. 

The novel explores the enduring strength of sibling bonds via Yoli and Elf’s sisterhood. All My Puny Sorrows examines their relationship from Yoli’s perspective. From a young age, Yoli “became acutely aware of [Elf’s] […] powers” and “wanted to be her” (77). She admired her sister’s poise, self-possession, and confidence and often tried to emulate her. At the same time, Elf looked out for Yoli. In Yoli’s frequent narrative flashbacks and spoken reflections, she stresses Elf’s consistent attempts “to make [her] feel better the way she had always done from the time she quoted her poet lovers to [Yoli]” (72). She even says that Elf’s protectiveness “was her profession” (72). This metaphor captures the significance of Yoli and Elf’s childhood connection and stresses the importance of this bond in the narrative present.

Because Yoli’s love for Elf sustains her, she tries to keep Elf alive by reminding her of the importance of their relationship. Yoli fundamentally believes that their sibling connection is a means to survival. She also frequently argues that their sisterhood grants their life meaning and purpose. For these reasons, Yoli is hurt that her sister doesn’t want to stay alive on her behalf.