That Was That

A recurring theme in this book is of moving on after depression, divorce, illness or financial difficulties. "That was that" is a phrase often used by Doris' mother, and is in fact, in the last sentence of the book.

When Doris' mother claims an illness that requires her to stay in bed for weeks, when Doris was young and the family first moved to Southern Rhodesia, there is no diagnosis, few symptoms, and it seems likely the episode was severe depression. Suddenly one day, Maude just arises from the bed one day, says "that was that", and life resumes.

Although Doris appears to resent her mother's influence in her life, it becomes obvious that she emulates her mother's philosophy about life. The book is filled with Doris going through phases of learning, trying new things, trying to fit into society's expectations of her, biding her time...