1. Deeper Exploration of Josephine's Family History:
* The novel touches on Josephine's Italian heritage and the impact of immigration on her family, but it could delve deeper into the specific experiences of her grandparents and parents in Australia.
* The reader could benefit from a more detailed understanding of the cultural clashes Josephine's mother faced between her Italian background and the expectations of Australian society.
2. Expanded Focus on Jacob's Journey:
* While Jacob's struggle with his sexuality is addressed, there's room for more exploration of his internal conflict, his relationship with his family, and his coming-out journey.
* The novel could provide a more comprehensive view of the challenges and triumphs he faces as a gay teenager in a predominantly heterosexual environment.
3. More Insight into the Dynamics of Josephine's Friendship with John:
* Their relationship is portrayed as complex and meaningful, but the novel could delve deeper into their individual struggles and how their friendship helps them navigate the challenges of adolescence.
* Examining John's background and motivations for befriending Josephine would add another layer to their dynamic.
4. Further Development of the Characters' Relationships with their Teachers:
* The novel touches on the relationship between Josephine and Ms. O'Brien, but there's potential to explore other teacher-student interactions and how they influence the characters' growth and development.
* Exploring the dynamics of their relationships with other teachers could offer additional insights into the characters' personalities and their educational experiences.
5. Broader Exploration of the Societal Context:
* The novel is set in the 1990s, a period marked by significant societal changes.
* It could benefit from a more comprehensive exploration of the social and cultural issues prevalent during that time, including issues of gender roles, racial tensions, and the impact of globalization.
These are just a few areas where the novel could explore deeper. However, it's important to remember that every novel has its own strengths and limitations. The "gaps" that are most important to address depend on the reader's perspective and the specific aspects of the story they wish to see expanded upon.