Throughout the novel, Larson focuses on the important distinction between community and isolation. Hattie longs to find community with a family relationship, yet she discovers that the support of her neighbors gives her the sense of belonging that she misses in her life. As Hattie learns that homesteading life relies on the kindness and support of neighbors, she realizes that she must accept help from those around her if she wants to survive.

Larson shows the theme through Hattie’s character development as she navigates life in a new place where she arrives as a stranger. While Hattie arrives in Vida with the perspective that she does not want to rely on anyone for help anymore, she soon learns that this individualism will not get her far. Hattie’s desire to be independent stems from her frustration that she used to rely on Aunt Ivy. Yet, Hattie realizes that asking for help does not mean an admittance of failure. While Hattie holds onto her individualism for a while, she realizes that approach will only lead to further alienation. Since Hattie feels alone in her life already, she knows that she does not want to continue down that path.