How does the author portray social class in the novel, Cirak's Daughter?

The author deals both sensitively and humorously with class distinctions. In the small town of Meldrum, the wealthy family of Firbelle is held in awe by most of the community, but a closer look at their life reveals significant problems. Jenny has been raised by a well-to-do aunt and uncle, for whom she has little respect and whom she is eager to escape. The lifestyle of the spoiled rich does not appeal to her.

Approaching the issue of social class from the other direction, the author depicts Jason Cirak as the "outsider," the immigrant of supposedly gypsy blood who tries to fit into the world of the prominent eastern family he marries into but who is never accepted.