Jean Swinney

Jean Swinney is the main character of the novel. In the narrative present, she is 39 years old. She writes for the North Kent Echo newspaper. She lives with her elderly and ailing mother, for whom she cares. Because Jean is unmarried and childless, the majority of her time is divided between work and home. She has few friends, except for her coworkers with whom she does not spend time outside the office. She has no romantic or marital prospects, because she is responsible for her mother’s care and comfort. Jean does have a sister, but her sister lives overseas with her husband and family, and is therefore unable to help with their mother.

At the start of the novel, Jean’s insular and isolating circumstances appear to be volitional, and begotten of her grouchy, solitary nature. However, as the narrative unfolds and the reader becomes acquainted...