More than a tale about mother and daughter, this short story dives into questions of nature vs. nurture. Having grown up with shameless and unethical mother, the main character, 12 year old Adeline, comes to face the reality of her inheritance: an inheritance of genetics. Revenge falls into her hands, and Adeline must then confront her own principles.
The story begins shortly after Adeline’s caring father passes away. She is left under the care of her nefarious mother, who continues a pattern of dishonorable behavior. In 1908 her mother then moves her to a lighthouse, where her mother begins working as a housekeeper for the lighthouse keepers. Adeline is treated poorly and wickedly by her mother during this time. Not long after beginning work, her mom begins an affair with one of the lighthouse keepers. Then, Adeline decides to take things into her own hands. But, will extracting revenge make her any better than her mom?
This short story is 28 pages. It is appropriate for the secondary classroom and post-secondary classroom, and would serve a meaningful purpose since it has many literary elements and tools. There is no foul language and there are no vulgar details about the mother’s affair. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and setting created by the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.
To view all of Alice Hoffman’s books, click here.
