A major subplot involves their eldest daughter, , whose rebellion and eventual disappearance deeply impact the family. Critical Consensus :
The narrative jumps across decades (1941–2001), skipping years of development to focus on pivotal moments of conflict and reflection.
: Impulsive and eager, her first meeting with Michael occurs after she jumps off a streetcar during a parade.
Anne Tyler’s 2004 novel spans 60 years, beginning with the chance meeting of and Pauline Barclay in 1941.
: Some critics find the structure "bland" or "plodding," with the jumps between years flattening the characters into "sitcom clichés". Broader Perspectives on "Amateur" Romance in Media