The story revolves around two siblings, Ava and Michael, who have lost touch with each other. It has a gentle, slow pace which is quite realistic of normal lives. Both were affected by the traumatic experience of growing up in a dysfunctional family, and both dealt with it by putting distance between the past and each other. Both are trying to come to terms with how the past has influenced their lives, both in the past and present, and potentially the future. They do eventually meet again and gain some insight into their lives, and begin to map their own futures.
I think everyone can identify with this idea of the past affecting the present and future, however ordinary it appears to be. I particularly identified with the childhood house being dismantled and sold, it feels like a second death, having to let go of processions and the physical place of memories– so sad.
A question – Did your own experiences influence the book?