Huzzah! There's actually a specific listing for the audiobook edition!

As reviewer SpiderKitten pointed out, yes, there's an echo of historical policies regarding the removal of indigenous children from their homes to be placed with people who "know better" how to raise them. And the struggle to understand, and perhaps fight those policies, is a part of the character growth that the protagonist goes through.

But it's also about the protagonist's realization that there's more to life than his job. That he's allowed to make personal connections. That he's allowed to care.

I really want to see what happens after the book ended! Which is always a good sign (even if the author didn't continue on from that point).