Mothers-in-law
From Donna Leon’s A Uniform Justice -
Brunetti thought of Parliament in the way most Italians thought of their mothers-in-law. Not due the loyalties created by ties of blood, a mother-in-law still demanded obedience and reverence while never behaving in a manner that would merit either. This alien presence, imposed upon a person’s life by sheerest chance, made ever-increasing demands in return for the vain promise of domestic harmony. Resistance was futile, for opposition inevitably led to repercussions too devious to be foreseen.
I loved this the first time I read it and still do, although I now find some repetitious use of words, and also cannot quite see how Parliament could possibly fit into the situation. However, I have the feeling Ms Leon had to get it off her chest, so it entered the book 
Please discuss the passage. I’m all ears.
OMG. Well, no comments on Parliament, but sure sounds like my mother-in-law! I will have to remember this one when she comes to visit us here…
Comment by Cindy — March 31, 2008 @ 10:03 am
Ms Leon certainly had close encounters with her MIL…they seen to run to type across the globe.
Comment by onhooksandneedles — March 31, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
SO ACCURATE!!!!!!!! and I’ve not even been married 1 year!
Comment by Purvi — April 24, 2008 @ 1:39 am
I think it depends, at least partially, on whose parliament you’re talking about. It certainly doesn’t sound that far from the truth for most parliaments.
Comment by Andrea (noricum) — April 29, 2008 @ 2:47 am