Sylvia Kinder

I enjoyed the book but was annoyed with most of the characters because the main problem seemed to be communication. The pain they all experienced could have been averted to some degree by actually saying what it was, or asking critical questions. Sometimes asking for help gets help. Mia puts her needs and drive for her art before the needs of her daughter to have a more secure life. Although her parents were insensitive to her needs she replicated that. Pearl is oblivious to the feelings of her friend Moody. He in turn does not tell her how hurt he is. Mrs Richardson was insensitive to her daughter Izzy's feelings, she in turn was vengeful in a malicious way. Bebe does not ask for help from anyone. Yes she was in a desperate state but still... Her child is placed in the classic situation of being torn between two women as in Solomon's dilemma. What is best for the child? a hard choice. All of this with a critical look at the wealthy middle class USA lifestyle and the poverty of migrant underclass. We also get a dose of women's struggles to have a career that is meaningful when they have children to care for, both Mrs Richardson and Mia struggle with this issue. A book to set you thinking on a number of fronts.