post-crisis. Unlike her parents, they validate Carrie's confusion, addressing her issues with empathy. Through weekly sessions with Dr. Ross and private lessons with Mrs. Ramsay, Carrie embarks on a journey of self-discovery. While Dr. Ross provides a passive support role, Mrs. Ramsay actively aids Carrie's healing through her art. Mrs. Ramsay becomes Carrie's confidante, a beacon of friendship, unlike any other, except for Tanya Abraham, her childhood friend from happier times.

The Language of Goldfish may seem, at first glance, to delve into the realms of madness and despair. Yet, these themes merely skim the surface; Oneal masterfully intertwines the tumultuous journey of growth and transformation with Carrie's mental unraveling. The book opens a window into the psyche of a young girl teetering on the edge of sanity, inviting readers to witness not only her descent but also her evolution. Prior to her attempt to end it all, Carrie clings to an idyllic vision of childhood—an oasis of simplicity and a sanctuary she longs to inhabit eternally. In this quest for permanence, she conjures an island, a secluded refuge where time stands still, cocooning her within its unchanging embrace. This fantastical creation stems from a memory of discovery—Carrie and her sister Moira stumbled upon goldfish in a pond, fashioning a whimsical language to converse with them. Entranced, Carrie believes in this magical dialect of youth, yearning to immerse herself in its enchanting waters and reach the heart of the moss-covered stones at its center. As Moira matures and relinquishes these childhood fantasies, Carrie steadfastly clutches them, manifesting the island in her mind and through her art.

Oneal's narrative is a tapestry of healing, woven intricately through Carrie's artistic journey under the guidance of Mrs. Ramsay. In the throes of bewilderment, Carrie produces abstract, colorless drawings—attempts to capture motion without form, underscoring her sense of being adrift without identity or direction. Following her near-tragic decision, Carrie's art evolves into what Mrs. Ramsay dubs "marking time" pieces; they serve as a bridge across her inner turmoil, guiding her toward resolution. These transitory artworks are pivotal, as Oneal uses them to mirror Carrie's shifting perspectives. Where once she reveled in the creation of mere shapes and lines, Carrie transitions toward realism. However, she perceives these pieces as devoid of life, unsettling. Eventually, she repeatedly sketches the island. Though Saskia, Mrs. Ramsay's daughter, admires these depictions, she notes the absence of figures. Despite this, Carrie continues to be drawn to the island, compelled by an internal urge to render only what her mind dictates. As time passes, her medium shifts from pencil to paint, and her palette bursts with vibrant hues. She soon introduces animals and, later, human figures into her compositions.

As observers, we trace Carrie's path to recovery through the metamorphosis of her artistic expression. Painting the island marks a critical juncture in her healing. Mrs. Ramsay advises Carrie that true art lies in perceiving the world through one's own vision, not through the lens of others. By painting the island, Carrie confronts her isolation and need for security, propelling her healing forward. Dr. Ross probes Carrie about the island, helping her uncover the roots of her dizzy spells—triggers that include signing up for school dances and grappling with sexual awakening as discussed by Mrs. Ramsay. Another episode occurs while perusing Aubrey Beardsley's unsettling illustrations, which contain elements she cannot comprehend. Dr. Ross assists Carrie in recognizing her fear of physical and sexual maturity. Yet, Oneal subtly unveils these fears through Carrie's behaviors rather than explicit narration. We learn of her discomfort undressing for gym class, her unease with her maturing body, and her increased anxiety during discussions of intimacy. Watching Moira entertain a boy, Carrie perceives her sister "drifting away someplace, spinning away like a bright yellow leaf."

The novel opens with Carrie's recollection of Mrs. Padmore, a recently departed neighbor. The maid shared with Carrie a tale of seeing Mrs. Padmore's soul escape through an attic window at the moment of death. Carrie fantasizes about soaring like that disembodied spirit but realizes she lacks a destination. She ponders the fate of disappearing footprints as snow melts, gripped by the dread of things vanishing without a trace. This fear of change and uncertainty binds Carrie to her imaginary island for an extended period. Accompanying her mother on a shopping trip amidst a looming blizzard, Carrie muses that "it would be kind of fun to be stranded." She remains baffled by the prospect of advancing, unsure of her path if she were to join Mrs. Padmore's soul, liberated yet wandering toward an unknown horizon.

With the guidance of the insightful Dr. Ross and the nurturing Mrs. Ramsay, Carrie embarks on a journey of acceptance, embracing transformation and evolution as an intrinsic part of life. She discovers the delicate balance of advancing without obliterating her history, and through this revelation, she embraces the metamorphoses within herself. Enter Daniel Spangler, the intriguing new boy next door, whose presence encourages Carrie to open her heart and find solace in her evolving identity. She confides in Daniel about her yearning for a realm untouched by change. His empathic understanding emboldens her to share her visits to the psychiatrist, and she agrees to join his math group. As Carrie departs from Daniel that day, Oneal paints a vivid picture of her walking home barefoot, relishing the sensation of the damp grass, entranced by the blooming catalpa, her fingers tangled in the fallen blossoms. Oneal seems to weave a connection between nature’s splendor and time's continuum, perhaps as a metaphor linking the vibrancy of childhood to the strength of adulthood.

While Daniel Spangler, Mrs. Ramsay, and Dr. Ross play pivotal roles in Carrie's journey, there comes a realization that she must bravely stand alone, allowing her spirit to mend. She must identify her vulnerabilities and harness her strengths to propel herself forward. Near the book's closing, Carrie learns of Mrs. Ramsay leaving her husband for another man. She feels a wave of betrayal, angered by the deception and the lack of trust, which leads to a heated outburst where she flings a pillow, shattering her lamp. Despite this turmoil, Carrie's relationships remain unchanged, yet she grows in her acceptance of their imperfections, loving them for who they are. Visiting Mrs. Ramsay, Carrie acknowledges her enduring affection, and finally embraces her mother, albeit describing the moment as "strange." After the lamp incident, her mother reacts as though the lamp was irreplaceable. “How could this household regard a shattered lamp as a monumental tragedy?” Carrie questions, pondering why her own fractured state seemed insignificant compared to this broken artifact. Her mother continues to ignore Carrie's struggles, denying that her daughter could let anger lead to such an outburst.

Mrs. Stokes's expectations of Carrie remain static, as does her aspiration to shape life into a perfectly ordered structure. However, Carrie’s approach to these challenges has transformed dramatically. She faces the world's stark realities with resilience, no longer retreating into a realm of golden illusions and secret languages. Following the suicide attempt, Carrie reflects on her disorientation en route to Duncan’s hockey game, realizing that "she had been nowhere, drifting toward an island more tangible than the streets themselves." Now, with newfound insight into the island's meaning, she possesses the strength to leave it behind. Throughout the novel, Oneal artfully unveils Carrie's perseverance as she grapples with her condition. Although uncomfortable with deception, she ultimately accepts it as part of her identity. By naming the island, she achieves a profound understanding and acceptance of her inner turmoil.