Melissa Cistaro

When Melissa was four years old, she watched her mother drive away, leaving Melissa and her brothers, aged 5 and 6, behind. The children rarely see their mother as they grow up. They blame themselves for her leaving and find often destructive ways to cope with living without her. Their father does his best, but financial difficulties add to the already significant challenges of single parenthood and being abandoned by your spouse.

Now nearing 40 years of age, with a husband and two children, Melissa is spending time with her dying mother. Melissa is still trying to understand why her mother left, and if she, herself, is a good mother.

The story alternates between Melissa's childhood and the current day. It is well written, with honesty and introspection.… (mere)