Point of View

The story is told from the first person point of view. Catherine is a creditable narrator for several reasons. As one of the family members, she can successfully portray the family's story to the reader. As a mother, she is able to talk about each of her children and their problems with genuine compassion. As a woman, she shows how she acts on her intuition as it relates to the story. Catherine is also a famous writer. From this, the reader knows she can effectively relate a story which gives her added credibility.

Catherine writes honestly about her incestuous relationship with her brother, showing her own confusion about their choice to live together as husband and wife. She worries about the shame being brought to surface, yet talks about how true their love is. The reader knows that Catherine has had previous relationships, but no discussion...