Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

The motif of magic assumes multiple meanings in Sal and Gabi Break the Universe. First, there’s stage magic—a coping mechanism by which Sal strives to avoid his grief and anxiety. Then, there’s the specter of “black magic,” which hampers Sal’s ability to fit into his new school due to unfounded suspicions. Last, Sal’s supernatural abilities, though he refrains from labeling them as magical, have a mysterious quality that adds another layer to the narrative.

Sal’s stage magic has several layers of meaning. On the one hand, it operates as a source of resilience and healing, a skill learned during challenging times. His hospital clown mentor instilled the belief that “only silliness can save us” (303). Sal, eager to share this resilience, volunteers as a magician in the pediatric wing, championing the healing power of magic in adversity. On the other hand, the nature of stage magic, based on distraction and sleight of hand, represents Sal’s efforts to deflect and hide from his grief. Sal’s showmanship, when combined with his supernatural abilities, also breeds distrust rather than joy. Branded a brujo, or “black magic” user, Sal faces superstition and prejudice, both of which hamper his ability to build relationships and undermine his coping mechanisms. In this context, magic also represents the weight of unfounded beliefs.

Sal’s genuine magical powers, in turn, involve manipulating the multiverse, yielding unintended consequences. This particular manifestation of magic represents the unknown, overcoming fear, and embracing responsibility. The multiverse, shrouded in mystery, initially fuels Sal’s fears, hindering exploration. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, Sal confronts consequences across dimensions, marking his growth and responsibility.

The three distinct forms of magic—performance, superstition, and supernatural—have diverse meanings throughout the novel. Their overlapping presentation augments the novel’s examination of how burying big feelings and problems leads to consequences while facing those challenges can lead to healing and joy. Together, magic serves as a complex and nuanced motif throughout the narrative.

Food is a motif in Sal and Gabi Break the Universe that embodies life, love, culture, and healing. For Sal, a diabetic, it’s a vital factor—Sal is keenly aware of what he eats and when. A day without food results in hospitalization, emphasizing its life-giving nature.

Beyond sustenance, food communicates love and support within the families. Mami Muerta expresses love by preparing an elaborate Cuban feast for Sal. Both Gabi’s and Sal’s families use food to convey love and concern. In both cases, food is also a powerful representation of culture, which is inextricable from familial love. Descriptions of various Cuban dishes, from ropa vieja to plantains, enrich the narrative, offering a flavorful glimpse into Cuban culture. Hot cocoa in the Vidón house marks an entrance point for deep conversations, showcasing its role as an expression of familial affection and trust.

Lastly, food serves as a healing force. The Reál family, upon Sal’s arrival, immediately provides nourishment. In times of crisis, such as Yasmany’s runaway episode or Iggy’s health struggles, the characters find solace and bond over shared meals. While not a cure-all, food is a source of figurative and literal healing in the characters’ journeys.