In Barbara Kingsolver's novel "Unsheltered," the women in the protagonist's family share a deep connection with nature, specifically with the creatures of the earth. Their bond is portrayed through a ritualistic act of pressing whale bones against their chests, symbolizing a powerful union with the natural world. This act represents both physical and spiritual interconnection, highlighting the profound relationship between humanity and the environment.

This imagery emphasizes the lengths to which the women go to immerse themselves in the essence of life around them. The phrase captures the struggle and intensity of their experience, evoking a sense of reverence for the earth's beings and embodying the theme of belonging within a larger ecological system. Through this connection, Kingsolver explores themes of identity, heritage, and the intrinsic link between humans and the natural world.