I Will Always Write Back

Money becomes a significant symbol in the book, one that defines Martin’s chances for survival and Caitlin’s understanding of her own privilege. In Martin’s narrative, his first encounter with the impact of money is when he makes an innocent request for Caitlin to send him a US dollar in exchange for a Zimbabwean dollar. He wants to compare the two countries’ currencies, not realizing that the US dollar would be worth significantly more. When Martin’s mother reveals how much the US dollar is worth in Zimbabwean money, he realizes that the US dollar is no longer a cultural ornament but something that can sustain his family. His mother recognizes the significance of the money as well, relaying to Martin, “This is for your future” (51), suggesting that they hold onto this money for a later opportunity. Martin makes the decision to use the money for groceries for his family, demonstrating that in Zimbabwe, being poor often does not permit a choice between immediate sustenance and future savings.

Caitlin also learns the value of money through supporting Martin and his family. Whereas her parents are able to provide her with food and shelter, she has disposable funds through part-time jobs such as babysitting and waitressing while in middle school and high school, respectively. When she sends Martin and his family a $20 bill, she knows that the amount is less significant for her than it will be for Martin’s family. When Martin receives the $20 bill in the mail, he approximates that it will cover rent and groceries for his family. It is also a significant enough amount that if he is not careful walking through the streets with it, “Twenty dollars could get [him] beaten up and robbed, if not killed” (11).