Deception

The author explores the adverse effects of deception on the individual's psyche through her depictions of her distorted relationship with Malabar and Ben. When Malabar involves her daughter in her affair with Ben, she draws Adrienne into years of lying and dishonesty. So desperate to earn her mother's love and approval, Adrienne agrees to a litany of unacceptable requests. She not only keeps the secret of her mother's affair with Ben from Lily, Charles, and Peter, but from her husband, Jack, as well. Though she is perpetually plagued by guilt, Adrienne fears that revealing Malabar's hidden relationship will sever her connection with her mother.

Believing Malabar deserves to be happy after all the suffering and loss she has experienced, Adrienne refuses to listen to any and everyone's suggestions that her mother is to blame for Adrienne's depression and unrest. With time, Adrienne grows more and more detached from...