NPR's Book of the Day In 'The Catch,' estranged sisters confront a mystery surrounding their mother's death
Jun 10, 2025
Yrsa Daley-Ward’s novel dives into the surreal lives of twin sisters Clara and Dempsey, who confront the mystery of their mother’s death. On their 30th birthday, Clara believes she sees her mother—at the same age as them. The conversation delves into the emotional turbulence between estranged sisters, grappling with grief and the desire for closure. Daley-Ward touches on writing as a method of wish-fulfillment and the intricate dynamics of family relationships that shape our identities.
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Clara's Vision of Her Mother
- Clara sees her mother on a city bus, but her mother appears the same age as the twins, 30 years old.
- This vision provokes confusion because their mother died or was presumed dead 30 years ago with no foul play reported.
The Power of Desperate Belief
- Sometimes we want or need something to be true despite irrationality.
- Intuition can make us believe what our gut tells us even if it defies logic.
Perception Versus Reality of Twins
- The twins appear successful or a mess externally, but internal struggles define their real condition.
- Perception differs greatly from reality when evaluating personal successes and failures.
