Three Wishes

“It happens sometimes that you accidentally star in a little public performance of your very own comedy, tragedy, or melodrama.”

The narrator’s comment sets up the unusual way in which material will be presented in the book. The public antics of the Kettle sisters, from birth to the present moment, are observed by detached spectators. This offers an additional dimension to the material because, without context, the onlooker has no way of interpreting the triplets’ behavior in the proper light. 

“‘She’s made a career out of being our mother,’ Cat always complained.” 

Cat’s observation is based on Maxine’s involvement is support groups for multiple-birth parents. What Cat doesn’t realize is that raising triplets was so all-consuming that Maxine had no time for any other occupation. The girls became a career that was forced on Maxine without her consent. 

“Maxine was smiling radiantly at the camera, her hair plastered to her forehead. It was hard to imagine that girl growing up into the immaculately irritable Maxine Kettle.” 

Like Cat in the previous quote, Gemma is expressing disapproval for her mother’s behavior. Also, like Cat, she doesn’t realize how raising triplets has shaped her mother’s perspective. Maxine could hardly be expected to project a carefree attitude after such an ordeal.