Why do you think Linda is fascinated by the relationship of Paul and Patra? Do you think she wishes she had that kind of relationship with her own mother? Or with Patra?

The physical relationship between Paul and Patra seems to have a strong effect on Linda. She describes it throughout the book with words like clingy, petting, possessive. Why do you think Linda is fascinated by this kind of parent/child relationship? Do you think she wishes she had that kind of relationship with her own mother? Or with Patra?

Linda is a sad lonely girl who has not had a loving relationship with her parents. She enjoys being with Patra and Paul and likes the relationship that she has with them, especially with Patra. She also likes seeing the love that Patra shows toward Paul.

I think she comes to love Patra as the closeness that exists between the two is a new thing to her.

I agree with the other comments; she didn't ever have this kind of closeness and affection with her own parents, and she loved feeling it vicariously, being a part of it by witnessing it as someone being treated to some degree as a member of the family. It was a glimpse of what life could be like.

The relationship between Paul and Patra is clearly something Linda does not personally experience and not only is she somewhat awed by it when she sees it, being a part of that small group somehow allows her to feel as if she matters and is cared for also. It is interesting to see how she treats and cares for Paul - at least initially - when she is left alone with him as a babysitter. She is not as adept at "loving" him as Patra partly because she does not know how to do that sort of thing - never having been taught by her own mother as Patra does for Paul.

Linda has no communication or understanding of her parents. Nor does she seem to want one. She loves Petra both as a mother figure and as a lover but she's not aware of either emotion. She's just trying to grow up but does not have any guidance or any way of talking about her feelings. She's a very isolated young person
through all of this year with Paul.

Linda is a lonely girl. She says in Patra a woman who pays attention to her son. Linda's mother does not pay Linda/Madeline that kind of attention. Somehow I think Linda might be physically attracted to Patra as well: cute, petite, loving.

I don't think Linda expects that kind of relationship with her own mother. And she DOES try to have that kind of relationship with Patra.

I agree that Linda is drawn to Patra and fascinated by her love for her child. Linda definitely feels more for Patra than she does for Leo or Paul. I think there are indications of same-sex attraction involved too, as Linda also cherishes her memory of her childhood "sister" in the commune, and is drawn to Lily as well.

I think Linda is drawn to Paul and Petra because she is fascinated by a relationship that is so different from what she has been exposed to. Linda is a typical teen I feel in the regards of trying to figure out who she is and what that means in a relationship. Is she attracted to women more than men? Who makes her feel safe and loved. Linda has so much freedom, almost to the point of neglect. She is looking for a connection, trying to find a closeness she had with Tameka as a child.

Linda is fascinated by Paul and Patra's relationship as it is a loving one and she has not been exposed to normal relationships. I think she has given up on her relationship with her mother for the most part and would love to be shown attention by Patra who is more the age of an older sister than a mother with an eleven year age difference.

Linda's fascination with Paul and Patra's relationship seems to be a longing feeling for what she doesn't have. She and her mom are not close; they don't share the silly jokes, nicknames, and inside secrets the way Paul and Patra do. Linda's childhood likely wasn't as carefree as Leo's is, given her isolation in the woods contrasted with Leo's suburban life. Leo is young but has traveled further and seen more than Linda has.

I doubt she thinks of her own childhood as abnormal (because every person's experiences likely seem normal to them, because that's all they know), but she sees the relationship between Paul and Patra as "different" and intriguing more than anything.

Linda has had no nurturing relationships throughout her life. She is lonely & confused; when Paul & Patra enter her life she senses what it is like to have a mother who demonstrates love & affection, caring & nurturing. Although she has not KNOWN what she's lacking in her childhood, she unconsciously is drawn to what Paul & Patra have.
Of course, she wishes she had a loving relationship with someone. She is longing for love & a sense of belonging. Too bad she had to go from one abusive type of relationship to another one where the outcome was the death of someone she loved.

I think Linda is absolutely fascinated by the relationship between Patra and Paul. She has never seen a mother and child so close. She begins to realize just how lonely she has been. What her life has been lacking. Yes, she would like to share in that caring and love, but has no idea of how to handle all the emotions that she is suddenly dealing with.