What did you think about Dulci’s and Thirza’s relationship? Why do you think the rift between them remained unhealed for so many years?
They did not have a close relationship. Billy was certainly Dulci’s favorite of her two children. We realize in the end of the book why he was her favorite.
I’ll start off saying I wasn’t a fan of the characters. I think the rift remained because Dulci’s narcissistic attitude, Thirza’s enabling of her behavior and the fact that neither one of them could have a mature and open conversation with each other.
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I agree. Both Dulci and Thirza seem to be inept communicators. Sadly it’s a fault too many families harbor.
I agree With Mary and Patricia.
Dulci angrily accused Thirza of not watching Billy when he disappeared. Even though Dulci was speaking from anger and fear, the emotional arrow was flung. Added to this was the threat Dulci received from then an anonymous sender. The depth of despair added to their dysfunctional relationship.
Then again, mom and daughter not only slept with the same guy but each gave birth to two of his children. The author didn’t characterize him as a scoundrel, though.
Not only are mother/daughter relationships difficult but their’s was made more difficult by Dulcie’s lack of feeling toward Thirza’s father. Their relationship remained strained primarily by Dulcie’s distancing herself, pining away for Emilio.
I felt sorry for Thirza that her mother basically abandoned her emotionally and physically for all the important times of your life when you need your mom.
I thought Dulcie was very selfish and childish in not supporting her daughter. It really angered me that she never responded to Thirza reaching out via letters but apparently she was discussing it with her friends and Columbine.
Dulcie was a bit self-centered for sure. She loved Billy more than Thirza. Perhaps as some have suggested it was a bit due to the fact that she thought she loved Billy’s father more. Then when their relationship was on a more stable ground, she found her daughter having sex with her former lover. WELLLLLLLL I guess that would cause a rift!!!
Dulcie was not an attractive or appealing character. She seemed totally self centered from the first page. Thirza had much to overcome and one hopes that her relationship with her own daughter will be different.
Didn’’t Dulcie accuse Thirza of not watching her brother right after he went missing?? seems like a mean thing to do to another child. Perhaps that played a role in their relationship going forward. And I also think that a child knows when another child in the family is the favorite. Thirza knew it wasn’t her.
Dulci was such a selfish person. I think Billy was the only one she had a loving relationship with and then he was gone.
I’m in agreement with the other members. Dulcie was a very flawed woman and mother. And she always obviously preferred Billy to the detriment of her daughter’s development. Thirza felt left out and really wanted a mother who loved her. It was natural that there was a strain even in good times.