I didn't get anything about that part of the story. Did I just lose my concentration or what? Was the mother envious of their daughter or what? Why was it a secret that Ray recieved letters from the daughter, and why was the wife so put off by the "camper" thing?
shareIt's complicated. It's hard for a beautiful woman to grow older and become invisible to the world, especially when she hits menopause at around the same time her firm, young, beautiful daughter begins to be admired. It is the realization that her life didn't turn out as hoped/expected and, yes, on some level, she grew jealous of the younger woman, even if she is her daughter. Also, when the daughter turns her back on the East End of London, she is implying that her parents' life isn't good enough for her and the mother understands and is hurt by this criticism. Additionally, in the book, the wife has always felt that Ray spoils their daughter.
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