How does the author use symbolism in the novel, The Vacationers?

For the family, Mallorca is a symbol for a frozen moment in time, during which the main characters have a chance to pull their lives together. Gemma's appearance on the penultimate day of the trip is like a switch thrown, the clock starting again. Suddenly it is clear that the house is not theirs and they will leave in a day, taking with them their grace and forgiveness and newfound strengths. Her appearance brings with it other signs that real life is poised to begin again: Charles and Lawrence receive word from the adoption agency, and Sylvia hears from her college roommate.