Trophy children

[Tabouli]

Rita (from the main list):
> 3) I read the nagging about grades, the gift of first-rate
broomsticks, and several other gifts, as a parent who believes that 
he has the right to own a prize child, a child who is the best at 
everything (Quidditch, grades, attractive appearance, etc) and will 
be admired by all the other parents, and takes out his resentment at 
having been stuck with a less-than-perfect child on the child.<

Indeed 'tis so, as well I know, but knowing this, O Rita, why then do you so dislike "The Silver Metal Lover"??  This is *exactly* what that book is about!  If anything, the "teenage girl wish-fulfilment" bit is a celebration of spoilt-yet-neglected Jane *escaping* her mother's jealousy and empty wealth, and then blossoming!

Hmmm.  Having read quite a bit of Tanith Lee in my time, the rich, nasty, daughter-oppressing mother is a recurring theme.  Sounds like a bit of authorial projection, to me!  Which brings up another age-old question... is all fiction autobiographical??

Tabouli.




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