This book-within-a-book concept is relevant within the context of the plot, although the "inside book" is more interesting by far. The treatment of unwed mothers and gay men is difficult to read, and we can only hope that we have gone way beyond such harsh judgements in the 21st century. Maud is a fascinating character study as she descends into a self-absorbed, unlikeable mother/sister/daughter/friend. I thought the ending was rushed and implausible, which may be because I am fortunate enough to live in a different world.

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