The Mulvaneys are a happy family with two loving parents, four children, and lots of animals on a big farm. But a single tragic event happens to the only daughter, fracturing their seemingly perfect existence. The story explores the slow dissolution of these six human beings and how each family member copes with the aftermath in their own way. As Oates knows so well, she explores the complexities of human relationships and the lasting impact of trauma. A thorough description of these intricate and very different lives, so close to reality and to what can happen in anyone’s life. Frightening.
“The terrifying possibility came to Patrick: our lives are not our own but in the possession of others, our parents. Our lives are defined by the whims, caprices, cruelties of others. That genetic web, the ties of blood. It was the oldest curse, older than God. Am I loved? Am I wanted? Who will want me, if my parents don’t ?”