It can be traumatic. However, like Ruby, they gradually come to a realisation of the person that has taken the place of their old self and may even come to recognise traits from influential people in their life. From examining such a small section of the book, a reader can come away with many deep reflections on their adolescent life. This is proof that Speaking to Miranda is more than a mystery story. It is evident in MacDonald s writing that Ruby s experiences are a diverse examination of the experience of adolescence and growing into a young adult.
Every teenager needs to taste the essence of Ruby s actions and discover their own true grown self.
When a teenager knows where they fit into the great scheme of things, like Ruby they can gain a sense of completeness. Once they achieve this completeness, the restraints fall away and they blossom into independent young men and women. Independence and entirety is shown, in this novel, to be linked directly to personal knowledge of family history. Speaking to Miranda illustrates important themes which adolescents can relate to. Through following Ruby Summerton in her quest to discover her family history, MacDonald has succeeded in writing a meaningful novel about the changes experienced while becoming an adult.