An unsentimental look at what it means to feel inextricably tied to a life and a family that cannot appreciate individuality. Sometimes it felt like the story was wavering towards treacly visions of home life and reunification. But it never failed to keep a firm foot in reality. There is no miraculous change of heart or a turning over of a new leaf. It’s merely a resignation to burden oneself with the shortcomings of a terrible father in order to alleviate familial guilt at the end of life. The end of Sara’s story is tragic, yet beautifully strong, in its ability to not extend blanket forgiveness to her father, but rather accept that perhaps he is due human kindness in spite of his flaws. Because he is just as much a product of his upbringing and surroundings as she was of hers. But the dynamics of gender politics created much different outcomes and allowed for growth in her life while his was quite stagnant.