Relationships

By following the evolving situation between Tallulah and Zach in minute detail, the novel builds up a realistic picture of an abusive relationship. It carefully presents those factors that have led to Tallulah’s predicament, emphasizing its impact on her while avoiding melodrama, to suggest the devastating yet commonplace nature of emotional abuse. The situation develops gradually, getting out of hand before Tallulah – who prefers to avoid confrontation – has a clear opportunity for putting an end to it. She first met Zach when he was a new boy at school, a victim of bullying, and she “befriended him because he looked nice and she felt sorry for him and then they’d started dating and that was that” (95). It is a combination of her good nature, loyalty to her childhood sweetheart, and sheer force of habit that binds her to him. Tallulah remains comfortable with Zach...