SuitabookThe sewing basket
Susan White
- Reading
- Pause around the mother’s behaviour and the family’s changes, checking what Ruth understands at each point. The historical references can then be discussed as background rather than treated as the story’s main focus.
- Themes
- Illness and family change: Ruth gradually recognises that her mother’s unusual behaviour is connected with a disease that may affect the family and Ruth’s future. The book?s stance on this remains unclear.
- Growing up amid public history: Ruth’s interests and personal experiences unfold alongside music, sport and major events associated with the late 1960s. The narrative function of these public events is unclear.
- Worth knowing
- The mother’s behaviour is described as embarrassing before its connection with disease becomes clear. It may be worth noticing how the story handles confusion, stigma, responsibility and Ruth’s feelings towards her mother.