"Bloomability" By Sharon Creech
1Sharon Creech’s novel follows the journey of a young girl, Dinnie Doone, as she is uprooted from her familiar life and thrust into a foreign world. When she is sent to an international school in Switzerland by her uncle and aunt, Dinnie initially resents the abrupt change, feeling like she has been taken away from the unpredictable, nomadic existence she shared with her parents. The novel captures her gradual transformation from an uncertain outsider to a confident, self-aware individual who embraces the opportunities around her.
The protagonist's development is central to the narrative, as Dinnie grapples with themes of belonging, change, and self-discovery. Her parents' spontaneous lifestyle—constantly moving from one place to another—left her without a true sense of home. Switzerland, in contrast, offers her a structured environment where she can reflect on her identity and aspirations. Initially hesitant to accept her new life, she slowly begins to appreciate the diverse perspectives of her classmates, who come from different countries and backgrounds. These friendships serve as a mirror, allowing her to see herself more clearly and realize the richness of the world beyond her limited experiences.
One of the novel’s most significant elements is its exploration of language and communication. Dinnie’s struggle to adapt to a multilingual setting parallels her broader struggle to find her own voice and agency. As she interacts with students speaking various languages, she learns that communication extends beyond words—it involves understanding, patience, and empathy. This realization helps her navigate not only her relationships with others but also her own shifting emotions. The idea of “bloomability,” a word coined within the story, symbolizes the potential for growth and change that exists in every individual if given the right environment.
The school itself serves as a metaphor for a world where cultures coexist, and differences are celebrated rather than feared. Dinnie’s initial discomfort with unfamiliar customs and perspectives gradually transforms into an appreciation for diversity. Her friendships with Guthrie, a free-spirited and adventurous boy, and Lila, who struggles with her own insecurities, highlight different facets of self-discovery. Through their interactions, Dinnie learns to take risks, embrace the unknown, and recognize that she has control over her own destiny.
A key contrast in the novel is the tension between stability and change. While her parents’ unpredictable lifestyle represents constant movement without real progress, her time in Switzerland offers her a different kind of journey—one that is internal and transformative. She begins to understand that home is not just a physical place but a state of mind, shaped by the relationships and experiences that shape one’s sense of self. Her relationship with her uncle and aunt, initially seen as distant authority figures, evolves into one of deep appreciation, as she recognizes their role in giving her a chance to grow.
The novel’s lyrical prose and introspective tone make Dinnie’s journey deeply personal yet universally relatable. Creech masterfully captures the uncertainty of adolescence, the search for identity, and the beauty of embracing the unfamiliar. The theme of opportunity is woven throughout the narrative, reminding readers that change, though daunting, often leads to self-discovery and unexpected joy. Dinnie’s eventual acceptance of her new life is not a rejection of her past but an acknowledgment that she is capable of shaping her own future.