Franny's Relationship with her Family

Familial relationships are often difficult and many people find themselves unable to fully withstand the rigors. Franny is no different and she finds that she has complex relationships, filled with understanding and misunderstandings, but ultimately has no choice but to find a means of continuing those connections. Four of Franny's family relationships are put to the test over the course of the novel. Her relationships with Drew, Jo Ellen, Uncle Otts, and her mother each endures problems, but Franny emerges from the situation with each forming a stronger bond than before.

Franny is Drew's older sister and they have their share of sibling rivalry. Franny recalls a time when she locked Drew in a shed and had expected to feel superior once she let him out. He was so terrified that she felt only shame at how she had treated him. Early...