How do you think Mathinna, Evangeline and Hazel's stories would have been different if their families were present?

Mathinna and Evangeline are both orphans, and Hazel has a difficult relationship with her mother. What impact does this have on their characters, and how do you think their stories would have been different if their families were present?

As frustrating as family can be, they are always there to offer a unique opinion on a decision that may have devastating results. They offer a perspective free of the emotions and outside forces that may veil a choice's direction. When more information is considered during the course of one's history, they path is not as clear and can make a person stop to consider what may actually happen if certain events go forward.

I agree with Tired Bookreader. I don't think that Evangeline would have gone to prison if her father was still alive. She probably would not have gotten involved with Mr. Whitstone (junior) in the first place because Dad would have warned her off. Mathinna wouldn't have been adopted by the Governor and his wife which led to her downfall.

I agree with the postings state that Mathinna and Evangeline would not have had the difficulties that they experienced if their families were present. Poor Hazel, however, would probably fared the same with or without the presence of her mother. Due to Evangeline's stronger family upbringing, she recognized the beauty of Hazel's character and provided a lifeline to Hazel.

During the period of time this book takes place, the world was a tough place for young women with no family. In Evangeline’s case, her father would have protected her. She may well have stayed with him and lived out her life as a spinster. And I’d like to think that Mathinna’s family would have been able to protect her, but unfortunately her status as an aboriginal may have allowed her to be taken away by the Franklins. And Hazel’s mother certainly didn’t do much to safeguard her daughter from the evils of society, so her fate may have remained the same.

I certainly think they would have been better off, simply for having the support of a family. I don't think any of them would have had easy lives.

I agree with juliep -- definitely a tough world for a young woman all alone. Evangeline was educated and loved by her family, but sheltered from the realities of the world. I agree that she would have stayed with her father or perhaps married someone from her village. Mathinna's story is more difficult to decide, her family would have supported her, but I agree had no power to keep her safe from the Franklins. Hazel did not have a loving family, so I think eventually she was better off separated from them.

I think families that are present and positive can add layers and depth to the family narrative and how that relates to the individual. The are connections to the past that are linked by family members-especially older ones that can add detail and anecdotes to a family history. It is a wise child that listens to these stories when there is the opportunity. Someday as they age and have children, the narrative can be woven to the present and enhanced for each generation.

If that were the case then we would not have had this extraordinary book to read and discuss.

If families care about each other and willing to help each other things would have turned out differently. Evangeline was a very naive young lady being brought up the way she was. You could say Hazel had been on her own for a very long time. It pains me to think that there are families out there who do not care about their families/children. They are so involved in themselves there is no room for anyone else.

For starters, they would not have needed each other, in they way they did, their needs would have probably been met by their families.