Sources of Danger

In the novel, Adele and Clare learn that danger can lurk in even the most benign appearing circumstances. Both Adele and Clare are mothers who believe they are raising children in an atmosphere that is relatively free from danger. Clare wants to protect her children from her husband, a schizophrenic who burned down their house during the last episode of his illness. Adele wants to keep her children away from the impact of the world by homeschooling them. She believes they are receiving all of the socialization they need from the communal park that is adjacent to their home. Neither of these mothers realizes the danger in allowing their children to roam unsupervised.

In the months following her husband’s last schizophrenic episode, Clare has fixated on Chris as a source of danger for her children. The narration notes that Chris' schizophrenia was destructive...