This story in the anthology was not particularly a favorite, although I suspect that the subtlety of characterization is outstanding.
Again, first person pov, the narrator being a young serviceman visiting an old aunt who has been kept out of his family’s life because of some perceived injustice she’s committed against her sister, his mother.
Most likely this story is the high point of characterization and yet somehow I think I’ve missed it.
There is a wealth of information in their meeting, in the narrator’s view and interaction with his aunt. But the conversation continues one-sided on the part of the aunt, the narrator acknowledging nods and such, that is somewhat disconcerting. While it does not intrude upon the gradual change of opinion of the narrator, it does lack some freedom for the reader to decide the antagonist’s actions and character for himself.
Another point that may detract from the story is that the issue between the sisters that started the cold war has been built up enough to remain as an anticipated disclosure and there is the disappointment that it never becomes known to the reader. Then again, it could be about anything, and Taylor may have intended to relay that point as well. I find myself torn between wanting to know and knowing that it is really not important to the story at all.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology