Jones treats topics in Aunt Maria that some readers might find troublesome, but she does so with sensitivity. She proceeds on the realistic basis that many of today's young people face broken homes, difficult relationships, and news stories of struggles for human rights. Domestic quarrels launch the story, and the parents have engaged in extramarital relationships.

The approach is nonjudgmental, however, and the stress is on the qualities that enable Mig and Chris to cope.

The parental breakup leads to contact with Aunt Maria. On one level, the novel concerns how far family members should go in caring for demanding elderly relatives. In another vein, some readers may question Chris's sarcastic talk and behavior toward adults. Yet again, the intent is not to preach but to enlighten. On another level—and this is the far more intriguing one—Aunt Maria rules an entire society...