This Time Tomorrow is a story about the powerful relationship between fathers and daughters. Leonard and Alice, the novel’s two primary characters, are a tight-knit father-daughter unit. It is notable that Leonard became the primary parent for Alice because it was unusual in the 1980s for single fathers to gain full custody of their children. But Alice’s mother wanted a radically different life, so Alice grew up with Leonard and a smattering of phone calls from Serena.

Leonard has always been a devoted father to Alice. As a single father, with his own artistic quirks, Leonard was not a strict parent. He didn’t lecture Alice for drinking, and even smoked cigarettes with her when she was a teenager. Leonard didn’t feel the need to set rules and strict structures for Alice because she was always a responsible and good kid. Thus, Alice grew up with freedom and respect. This respect deepens the closeness of their relationship because it demonstrates that Leonard never questioned Alice’s integrity or decision-making, giving her the space to make her own mistakes and learn from her own life. Leonard is not possessive of Alice, but he’s very supportive. Alice feels his loving support prepared her well for the world because as an adult she is responsible, has a good sense of her self-worth, and feels positive about her environment.