This book highlights the oppression that can lie behind middle to upper-class front doors. Coercion, control and the breaking of someone's spirit can be all of a slow process. The victim hardly knows that it is happening until it dawns on them one day that they are only a shadow of their former self. Abuse is normally related to physical violence, but the psychological abuse of a partner can be the biggest killer of ones soul.

This story will ring true, in part to many people. Maybe a relative, a father or mother, or in their own relationship. Flora and Clare learned to believe in themselves, but what will become of them and will anyone really survive the journey they had to endure.