Billie’s feelings about Joan are complicated. What aspects of Billie’s life play into that relationship? What did you think about Joan’s treatment of Billie?
Billie was desperate for a close companion, someone she could talk and confide to and she hoped that Joan would provide that kind of friendship for her. But Joan was not a good person and treated Billie terribly. I don’t know why no one else in the family saw this bad side of Joan.
I was so angry at how Joan treated Billie. It was typical bullying behavior towards kids who seem “different”.
Joan was dismissive at times, a bully at times, and a crappy person to Billie most times. I kept thinking that the author would reveal an insight into Joan’s behavior. How did she become this way? Was she abused? Was this her “natural” personality? Billie wanted to be recognized and liked. That’s all. Joan was not the kind of person who saw this in Billie. Joan was all about Joan.
Joan was a bully, but she had one big advantage over Billie. She lived in Wiley all year and knew everyone there. Billie was only there one month in the summer and didn’t have maturity to grow each year. Billie was shy and even more important had no self confidence. The relatives didn’t help her at all.
I agree that Joan was awful, even abusive, to Billie. And Billie just wanted someone to be a close friend. I found the dynamics of this relationship extremely sad and upsetting.
Joan’s treatment can feel dismissive or even cruel at times, especially because Billie doesn’t always grasp the social nuance behind it. It highlights how vulnerable Billie is in relationships where expectations aren’t clearly stated.