Memoir autobiographical, great writer, Lesbian + adoption themes --- very well done.
One of the greatquote: "That here might be a level we can reach above the ordinary conflict is a seductive one. Jung argued that a conflict can never be resolved on the level at which it arises --- at that level there is only a winner and a loser, not a reconciliation. The conflict must be got above --- like seeing a storm from higher ground."
Ethel Wilson developed this theme in Swamp Angel (see review on this blog) where the heroine works for a couple in a fishing camp in northern BC, just the 3 of them and the guests. The heroine is most capable and manages and does everything, which makes the wife jealous, so she attacks, and the heroine realizes she needs make the situation work to further her higher goals, and because there is no escape so she does. The wife continues to make things worse for herself as she is stuck in the conflict of the moment --- her personal immediate emotional need causes her to lose sight of the bigger picture.
This plays out in life all the time too --- travelling with tour groups in which most make it work, with effort, positive input, overlooking quirks foibles insults, participating, and just enjoying, while others make sure that there displeasure is known on petty things, and only talk if and when they feel like it, etc. Also, neighbours who have a gripe which to them is more important than the long term benefits of cordial and helpful relationships.
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