When this came out in the nineties, this would probably have been described as a book about an overprotective parent, but it's clearly more a case of emotional incest. Lois is prevented from interacting with children her age because her mother insists that (seven-year-old!) Lois be her constant company and emotional support. As a book about Lois learning to be more courageous and to rebel against her mother's unfair dependence on her, it's nicely done, but for an adult reader, it's hard not to feel saddened and a little creeped-out by the deeper issues at play.