Family

The main theme of this novel is family. Joe’s family is a tightknit one, a family who like to spend time together. Joe’s parents love each other deeply and are always affectionate with one another. In turn, they love their son and are deeply involved in his life. There is extended family in the area who always come over, or invite Joe’s family over, so that everyone is involved in the affairs of everyone else.

When Joe’s mother is attacked by Linden Lark at the round house, everything changes. At first Geraldine tries to remain a functioning part of the family, but soon her fears of being attacked again overwhelm her. She ends up locking herself in her room for days on end, refusing to do anything but sleep. Growing afraid that his wife will never recover, Basil forces Geraldine to participate...