The novel is written in the first person, which brings the reader into Maud’s mind as she starts to lose awareness of what is happening around her. Using a first-person narrative develops the reader’s empathy for Maud and her situation, and it also places Maud in control by default. This is a powerful position for Maud who struggles to maintain mental and physical control in her own life, from forgetting who her daughter is to lashing out in bursts of destructive anger.

The book depicts the loneliness and isolation that many older people experience. At the beginning of the book, Maud reflects that “Elizabeth is the only friend I have left; the others are in homes or graves” (6). As she sits home alone, she thinks, “I have plenty of time to look at everything, and no one to tell what I’ve seen” (9).

The world is impatient with Maud. The policeman teases her about her frequent visits to the station, the doctor is tired of her calls, Peggy at the charity shop reminds her that she doesn’t need Maud’s help, Peter is exasperated with her, and Helen is frequently frustrated with her.