Reaching the Line

SUZANNA MACKREACHING THE LINEWe have all experienced schooling and working with narcissistic individuals. From work colleagues to school bullies, the one common factor is their insecurity, displayed through their lack of empathy towards others. But what happens when we have a close family member who displays traits of narcissism, and how can we overcome that? This is the story of Abby Sutton and her middle-class English family. She is the younger of two daughters who must navigate her way through the demands and taunting of her older sister and the quiet enabling of her parents. We follow Abby's life throughout her teenage years and into adulthood and her belief that she will not allow her pain to be her sister's strength. Abby's story takes place in the changing world of the 1960s when women are beginning to take some control of their lives with the availability of oral contraception and the idea that girls can have both a career and families of their own. In a background of social change and cultural expectations, Abby's journey follows her realization that she is relevant and loved by others and that she can overcome the obstacles placed in her way.354