When most people define family, they usually think of a mother, father, and their kids. We associate a family as those people who raised us, who watched us grow, but most importantly who are related to us by blood. However, does a person have to share the same blood with someone in order for them to be a part of your family? Does a family have to have certain ties to your genetics or can anyone you want be apart of your family? This is what Gomez is trying to stir up in our heads. I think she is trying to shy us away from the image of a traditional family and tries to show us the other characteristics that someone in your family can have. Vampires are immortal and they often feel lonely- like they have no family. Gilda felt this way many times throughout the book. However, in chapter 3, Gilda had a very strong relationship with Aurelia. Aurelia was not a part of Gilda's "family", however she became a part of it. Aurelia gave her the friendship that she needed for so long. They made each other feel comfortable and were always there for each other. Their friendship was one of love. These are characteristics of a true family. Gilda revealing her secret to Aurelia only strengthened the bond of being a family. She trusts her with her secret and families never judge nor hide things from one other.
The relationships shown in The Gilda Stories may not be of traditional family characteristics, but they are definitely family ties. Gomez shows us that your family can consist of whomever you want/need/trust. Just because Gilda and Aurelia are not blood related does not mean that they are not sisters. Blood has nothing to do with it.
-Bethany Davis (Post #3)
Great meditation on the issue of family within the novel. I found this particular definition of family you give very interesting:
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Considering how one is made into a vampire (through the exchange of blood) aren't the vampires in the novel related by blood as are human families? The major difference seems to be that for the vampires, one can choose who will become a member of their family.