The Hypnotist's Love Story

In addition to confronting the complexity of romantic relationships, much of the conflict in the novel comes from the difficulties of navigating complex family dynamics, especially families that don’t follow the traditional patterns. As Ellen navigates her relationship with Patrick and her feelings about her upbringing, she learns more about the complexities of family dynamics.

Ellen faces challenges once she becomes engaged to Patrick and pregnant with their child, as she worries about being seen as a replacement for Colleen. She feels especially sensitive when she meets Colleen’s parents, Frank and Millie. While they are caring people, Ellen can’t help but feel she is trespassing on their grief, and worries they feel that she is trying to take the place of their deceased daughter. She feels awkward being asked to address Colleen’s gravestone as if she, like Patrick and Jack, is conversing with the woman. Making an attempt to please them, however, shows that Ellen is willing to try to navigate and accept the attachment both Patrick and Jack feel for Colleen. She realizes that family dynamics can change over time, but still remain strong and loving.

Ellen also feels self-conscious about how to relate to Jack, a complication that arises because she is not Jack’s biological mother and initially does not feel naturally suited for a mothering role. Ellen’s doubts are furthered by reports of how Saskia helped mother Jack, and the stock that Patrick puts in Colleen’s opinions about parenting. These considerations lead Ellen to describe her family situation as “complicated” when discussing it with others. However, as her father notes, what really matters is whether the family members care for one another. If affection is present, the relationships may be difficult, but are not impossible to navigate.

Ellen must also confront her feelings towards her own upbringing. Her parental situation presents another example of family dynamics that create conflict and concerns, and the only real resolution is simple acceptance of the personalities involved and respect for their individual feelings. Anne, Ellen’s mother, pursues a very unconventional relationship with the father of her child, and Ellen’s experience of growing up with two godmothers is likewise unconventional. However, having Mel and Pip provided Ellen with extra nurturing in her life, and Ellen admires her mother’s strength and independence.  While Ellen finds it initially awkward to meet and get to know her father as an adult, Ellen realizes the best approach is to simply treat this like any other new acquaintance.

Overall, the novel suggests love and good will make a family functional, and these are relatively straightforward choices to make. While Ellen’s integration into Patrick’s life is not always smooth, her embrace of her new roles and her developing relationship with her own father teach her that familial bonds can be rewarding and successful in various forms.