I was intrigued by the relationship between Betsy and Fred and Will and Ceal as both in a way seemed to be in abusive relationships. I can see why the author did it but I think the number of characters and jumping around with time zones made it a bit harder to follow eg in Hettas's early narrative I found I had to constantly remind myself how old she was she seemed to be drinking cider in a pub when she was about 15 and travelling alone to London at a very young age. Was she there to provide a balance and be a character outside of the conflict? If so I think Hetta carried that part better. She seemed to me to be superfluous while the othet family members have a role and play a part in the narrative. I would however like to ask her why she introduced the character of Syd. Particularly as the themes of guilt and unresolved and buried issues seem to run through the book. Most of the questions I would want to ask the author were covered in the Q&A at the back of the book, ie what influence her own parents and experience of the Communist Party had on the characters of Betsy and Fred and how her work as a psychologist has affected the novel. I have just finished Cousins, and although I didn't find it an easy read I am glad I have finished it, also very pleased to have been given a free copy as it made me read a book I probably wouldn't normally buy.
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