The Mother-in-Law

Service to others in the form of charitable works represents human connection. It is an important motif in the story that manifests differently in Diana and Lucy. Diana is outwardly focused on improving the lives of refugees through her philanthropic organization that assists newcomers to Australia. Early in the novel, she rejects what she deems the excessive and indulgent costs of Lucy’s wedding gown and accessories because she has seen the poorest of the poor and knows of their great need. Her perspective on charity evolves when Hakem helps her understand the debasement highly skilled immigrants experience when they must do menial jobs in a new country. This understanding leads her to ask Tom to hire Hakem and encourage Ollie and Lucy to open a recruitment agency for immigrants. Though noble and needed, Diana’s charitable works keep her focus on human connections beyond her family, leading her to struggle when addressing the needs of those closest to her. Simple acts of charity toward her loved ones, such as kindness, compassion, and understanding, are sometimes forgotten in her philanthropic efforts to help the refugee community.

In contrast to Diana, Lucy’s charity begins at home with her family before leading outward to others. Early in the novel, Lucy focuses on supporting Ollie and their children through loving care, support, and protection. When Diana is widowed and experiences depression, Lucy’s caring support of her mother-in-law reveals and strengthens the bond between the two women and moves both toward deeper self-discovery that ultimately makes each better. After Diana’s death, Lucy’s charitable works are balanced between those she offers to her family in everyday life and her new professional focus in the service of the immigrant community, a vocation that does not ease her financial challenges but provides personal fulfillment. Ultimately, both women find that charitable works are key to their growth and self-discovery.