The widow's children

Seagull imitations, drunken hotel gatherings, family deception. Paula Fox has mad skillz in the writing department. Clara's mother, Laura, is in town with her drunken hubby Desmond, on the eve of their cruise's departure. Clara meets them in their hotel room where they're joined by Laura's brother Carlos, and her good friend Peter Rice. Alma, Laura's mother, has passed away that afternoon, but Laura refuses to tell anyone until later that evening, after freaking out and running through the streets getting soaked. Peter is called up to the unenviable task of letting Carlos and Eugenio know that their mother is dead. Clara is not to be told, but Peter relents and tells Clara about her grandmother's death. Ends at the funeral, where Peter's mind floats away gently into the good night. This book could easily be reduced into a three act play.