It is clear that this, much like Dickens, was written as a serial, and likely paid by the word. There were numerous twists and turns, larger than life characters, and repetitive themes that would have played well in a weekly newspaper.

I think I have less of an appreciation for this book because I have no siblings. The interplay between the siblings and how they view each other was so essential to the story, and I had a very hard time relating to it. I also have a horrible relationship with my mother, and it is always odd for me to read about people who are still actively involved in their mothers lives.

The actual book itself was structured in a nice, multi-voice way. Each character added his or her own little bit to the story. I was wholly unsatisfied with the resolution, however. I was not bothered that we never found out the fate of mother, but I did not care at all for the ending. It was too kitchsy and tidy. It was as if the earlier element of the story was shoved in just to fit the ending.