This book was different. Taking place in the 50s, it is a son reflecting on his unusual upbringing. His father’s first wife (Madeline) was hurt in an automobile accident and was permanently brain damaged, forever a child. But his father and mother (the second wife) choose to keep Madeline with them instead of moving her to a home. It is certainly a new twist for a novel, but well done for the topic it addresses. His mother is dead, and it is just his father and Madeline, and he reflects on all the criticism his family received for their decision, and what it meant to him. I am not sure I would suggest this for a casual read, but the writing is well-done.