Relationships between Parents and Teens

The novel shows the Norbergs hold productive jobs but are so wrapped up in their own lives that they neglect their daughter. Their ambitions include social as well as business success. Indeed, Norberg's work as an investment broker requires him to find new clients among his friends and associates. Once Sebastian becomes interested in their daughter, they ignore signs that she cannot deal with the situation by herself. They let her take care of Sebastian in the hospital. They ignore her when she says she's not feeling well after returning home from Sebastian's. They allow her to miss school and family vacations to take care of Sebastian, when he has parents of his own who should be taking care of him. In short, they use their daughter as a tool to their self-promotion.

Maja's mother sees Sebastian's interest in her daughter as...