In Barbara Kingsolver's novel, The Lacuna, the author uses the metaphor of an empty cigarette packet to convey feelings of emptiness and loss within a home. This imagery suggests that, much like the packet signifies what has been consumed and is now missing, a house can reflect a lack of fulfillment and the absence of important elements that once brought joy or life.

The quote evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, illustrating how our surroundings can serve as constant reminders of what we desire but no longer possess. It emphasizes the emotional weight that physical spaces can carry, highlighting a deep connection between our environments and our inner experiences.