How does the author use understatement in the novel, Whistle Me Home?

Understatement is a literary technique used by the author throughout the novel. Early in the book the reader is told, "Noli had a little problem with alcohol" which downplays the severity of her condition. Other topics, including shoplifting, are mentioned but minimally addressed. It is left to the reader to realize that understatement frequently implies a more serious, even towering issue; readers must "fill in the blanks" to get the bigger picture. Together the cinematic style of the narrative and its frequent understatement seem the right choice for telling this story: there is much going on beneath the surface of both characters which is mirrored by the writing style.