How does their mother's death affect Jamie and Lou as siblings and individuals? Does the dynamic change over the course of the novel?

Jamie and Lou experience the loss of their mother differently. How does her death affect them as siblings and as individuals. Do you think Jamie ever resented having to take care of Lou? Over the course of the novel, how does their dynamic change? 

As siblings, the death of their mother propels Jamie into the caregiver role for Lou, changing the dynamic so that Jamie steps into the role of mother, not older sister. Perhaps this is why Lou has so much trouble remembering her mother. Over the course of the novel, Lou's own nurturing character, so at evidence with the animals, comes to the forefront as she takes care of the children and helps Jamie in her time of crisis. Lou now has the chance to play for Jamie the role Jamie always played for her.

Jamie was the older sister when her mother died and stepped in to care for Lou. Lou's memories of her mother were so foggy and I think they shadowed her growing up. Jamie sheltered her and as a result Lou sheltered herself and as a result had difficulty talking to people and showing her feelings.

Daughters who lose their mothers when they are young are scarred for life. It changes everything forever. I was glad that each came to the others' rescue and were able to cut through the issues to be there for each other.

Jamie became a "Mother" at a young age when she lost her mother. She became a mother again when she met Mike and mothered Henry. She was a nurturing person. Lou didn't remember their mother and had become dependent on Jamie even as an adult. She loved animals and even though she wasn't a mom herself she was able to step in and mother Jamie and her children when she was needed.