The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan Summary, Characters and Themes

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan is an exploration of family, grief, and self-discovery.

It follows Jane Flanagan, a woman in her thirties who returns to her hometown after her mother’s death, tasked with cleaning out her mother’s house.   As she revisits her past and the family dysfunction she escaped, Jane must confront unresolved feelings, complicated relationships, and the lingering effects of her upbringing. Set in a small Maine town, the novel delves into themes of loss, emotional isolation, and the challenge of moving forward while reconciling with one’s past. Through Jane’s journey, the story examines the intersection of family dynamics, personal transformation, and the pursuit of closure.

Summary

The story centers around Jane Flanagan, who returns to her childhood home in Awadapquit after the death of her mother.   Tasked with preparing the dilapidated house for sale, Jane finds herself facing not only the physical remnants of her mother’s life but also the emotional baggage of a tumultuous childhood.

As Jane works through the complicated process of sorting through her mother’s belongings, she is forced to reckon with her past, her strained relationship with her family, and the unresolved issues from her upbringing.

Growing up, Jane lived a life marked by instability.   Her mother, an alcoholic, was often distant, and their family moved frequently, which prevented Jane from developing deep roots or connections.

The emotional chaos in her home led Jane to develop a sense of introspection and isolation.   Her only solace during these years was her close friendship with Allison, a girl from a well-established family in the community.

Despite the tensions with her mother, Jane was a high-achieving student and was selected for a prestigious summer program.   However, her mother dismissed the opportunity, seeing it as a scam, which deepened the divide between them.

As a teenager, Jane discovered an abandoned house nearby, which became her sanctuary.   The house, much like Jane’s own life, was neglected and filled with broken dreams, yet it offered Jane the peace and solitude she craved.

It became a metaphor for her life—standing still in time, unable to escape her circumstances, and yet a place where she could find temporary relief.   Over time, Jane distanced herself from her mother’s dysfunction by pursuing a higher education and eventually earning a PhD.

However, her success in academia did not shield her from personal turmoil, especially in her relationships.   Her marriage to David ended after a scandal, leaving Jane with feelings of failure and insecurity about intimacy.

Returning to Awadapquit after her mother’s death, Jane faces the daunting task of cleaning out the house, but she also confronts the weight of her own emotional isolation.   Her interactions with her family, particularly her sister Holly, are fraught with tension, as both women struggle with the aftermath of their mother’s alcoholism and emotional neglect.

Holly, who has her own set of unresolved feelings, takes the lead in organizing their mother’s possessions, leaving Jane to handle the more painful emotional aspects of the process.

The house itself is a constant reminder of the life Jane has tried to escape.   Jane is also confronted by Daniel Canavan, a man who had hurt her mother in the past, and their awkward interaction forces her to reckon with her feelings of anger and unresolved grief.

Meanwhile, her old friend Allison, ever supportive, encourages Jane to participate in a local charity event, but Jane’s discomfort with the community and her own self-doubt prevent her from fully engaging with the people around her.

As Jane grapples with her past and present, she reluctantly agrees to a reading with a psychic medium, Clementine, at the behest of Allison.   Though Jane is deeply skeptical, she agrees to participate in the reading as a favor to her friend.

The session with Clementine is filled with bizarre and unsettling moments, as the medium reveals messages from Jane’s deceased grandmother, her mother, and even a mysterious spirit named D, who seems to be seeking a connection with Jane.   Clementine’s predictions, particularly regarding Jane’s possible pregnancy, throw Jane into turmoil, further complicating her emotional state.

Through this psychic encounter, Jane begins to confront the emotional wounds that have shaped her life.   She starts to question her relationship with her ex-husband David and her tendency to push people away, just as her mother had done.

The psychic reading acts as a catalyst, forcing Jane to confront the possibility that her self-destructive behavior has sabotaged her relationships, including the one with David.   Her inability to fully connect with those she loves reflects the deep emotional isolation she feels, a result of the trauma and dysfunction in her family.

As Jane continues to deal with the emotional fallout from her mother’s death, the story shifts to explore the broader themes of family, identity, and closure.   Jane’s relationship with her sister Holly is marked by unresolved grief and the differing ways they have processed their mother’s death.

Holly’s attempts to organize their mother’s belongings stand in stark contrast to Jane’s emotional turmoil, as she is faced with confronting the messiness of their past.   Despite their differences, both sisters must come to terms with their shared history and the emotional weight that their mother’s legacy carries.

By the end of the novel, Jane’s journey is one of self-reflection and acceptance.   She begins to understand that there is no easy way to escape the legacy of her upbringing.

Her attempts to disconnect from her past only bring her closer to it, as she learns to navigate the complexities of family relationships, personal identity, and the pursuit of inner peace.   The story ends with Jane at a crossroads, uncertain about her future but slowly coming to terms with the unresolved pain of her past and her desire for a better life.

Throughout The Cliffs, J.   Courtney Sullivan examines the toll of emotional trauma and the challenge of moving forward when the past is never fully resolved.

Jane’s journey is a testament to the fact that healing is a long and complicated process, one that requires both confrontation and acceptance of the pain that has shaped us.   As Jane learns, true closure can only be achieved when we face our past head-on, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable that might be.

Characters

Jane Flanagan

Jane Flanagan, the protagonist of The Cliffs, is a complex character who is deeply entrenched in her past, struggling with her identity, unresolved grief, and complicated relationships.   She returns to her hometown of Awadapquit after the death of her mother, tasked with the emotional burden of sorting through her mother’s belongings and deciding the fate of their family home.

Throughout the story, Jane’s character is defined by her emotional isolation, self-doubt, and an ongoing struggle with alcoholism.   Her personal life is riddled with mistakes and regrets, particularly her failed marriage to David, which ended after a public scandal.

Jane often pushes people away, including her family and friends, as she attempts to deal with the weight of her past and the turmoil of her present.

Her relationship with her mother, who struggled with alcoholism and neglect, is fraught with tension, and despite her mother’s death, Jane’s feelings of guilt and resentment persist.   Jane’s decision to care for her mother’s Pomeranian dog, Walter, is symbolic of the unresolved emotions she still carries.

Her mother’s legacy, though seemingly insignificant through the dog, represents Jane’s lingering connection to a past she is reluctant to face.   Jane’s interactions with those from her past, such as Daniel Canavan, evoke awkwardness and unease, highlighting the difficulty she faces in confronting her roots.

At the same time, her journey is marked by a gradual acknowledgment of her flaws, as she begins to reconcile with her family, particularly her sister Holly, and confront the possibility of personal change.

Holly Flanagan

Holly Flanagan, Jane’s sister, represents a different path of coping with their tumultuous upbringing.   Unlike Jane, who has a more introspective approach to their family’s dysfunction, Holly takes a more pragmatic stance.

She is more involved in the practical matters surrounding their mother’s death and the clearing of the family home, often seeming to take the lead while Jane remains emotionally distant and overwhelmed.   Holly’s own struggles with their mother’s alcoholism and emotional neglect are apparent, but she copes in a way that is more focused on action and maintaining control, even if it means distancing herself from the emotional weight of the situation.

Holly’s relationship with Jane is complicated by their differing ways of dealing with their past.   Holly often seems frustrated with Jane’s emotional baggage, which prevents Jane from fully participating in the process of moving on.

Despite these differences, Holly’s efforts are driven by a desire to move forward and create a sense of stability, something that both sisters lack in their lives.   Holly’s character serves as a contrast to Jane, highlighting the varied ways individuals cope with grief and familial trauma.

Allison

Allison is Jane’s close friend, providing emotional support in a way that Jane struggles to accept.   While Jane is often resistant to help, particularly when it comes to her alcoholism, Allison remains a steady, albeit concerned, presence in her life.

She encourages Jane to attend a local charity event and even arranges for Jane to have a reading with a psychic medium, Clementine, as a way for Jane to find closure with her past.   Allison’s friendship with Jane is deeply rooted in love and concern, though Jane’s defensiveness often keeps her from fully appreciating the help offered.

Throughout the novel, Allison is a voice of reason and compassion, trying to guide Jane toward healing, even when Jane is not ready to accept it.   Her actions, though well-meaning, highlight the challenge of helping someone who is resistant to help.

Allison’s friendship serves as one of the few stabilizing forces in Jane’s life, even as Jane grapples with her personal demons.

David

David, Jane’s ex-husband, plays a crucial yet subtle role in the narrative.   Their marriage ended after a scandal, and his emotional withdrawal after their separation is part of Jane’s ongoing struggle.

Although Jane resents the breakup, it’s clear that David’s behavior during their marriage left its own emotional scars.   David’s personal healing, including his attendance at AA meetings, becomes a point of tension as Jane continues to grapple with her own alcoholism.

His suggestion that Jane attend an Al-Anon meeting is one of the few attempts to help her address her issues, though Jane is initially resistant.

David represents a mirror to Jane’s own flaws, serving as a reminder of her inability to maintain healthy relationships and her struggles with intimacy.   Despite their separation, there is an undercurrent of unspoken emotion between the two, particularly as Jane reflects on her role in the demise of their marriage.

His character highlights Jane’s fear of vulnerability and her self-destructive tendencies that alienate those who care about her.

Clementine

Clementine, the psychic medium, serves as a catalyst for Jane’s emotional exploration and self-reflection.   Initially skeptical, Jane reluctantly agrees to the reading, which leads her to unexpected insights about her past and present.

Clementine’s eccentric behavior and unusual revelations, such as messages from Jane’s deceased mother and grandmother, force Jane to confront unresolved feelings about her family.   The psychic’s assertion that Jane might be pregnant serves as a stark reminder of Jane’s own emotional conflicts, particularly her struggles with intimacy and fear of connection.

Clementine, though an unconventional character, plays a pivotal role in Jane’s journey toward closure and self-understanding.

Clementine’s presence in the story offers a contrast to Jane’s skepticism and emotional walls, suggesting that there are forces beyond our understanding that influence our lives and relationships.   Through Clementine’s insights, Jane is confronted with the possibility of healing, though it is unclear whether she will embrace it fully.

Clementine’s role is to challenge Jane’s perceptions of herself and her past, pushing her toward the possibility of reconciliation with her own history.

Walter

Walter, the Pomeranian dog inherited from Jane’s mother, becomes an unlikely yet significant symbol in Jane’s life.   Despite Jane’s reluctance to care for him, Walter represents her mother’s lasting influence, both the love and the complications that came with it.

The dog’s presence in Jane’s life forces her to confront the remnants of her mother’s existence, something Jane tries to avoid.   Walter, in many ways, embodies the legacy of Jane’s mother: a source of both comfort and burden.

His role in the story, though subtle, emphasizes Jane’s struggle with accepting responsibility for the things her mother left behind, both figuratively and literally.   Walter’s fate, tied to Jane’s emotional journey, highlights the lingering effects of familial ties and the difficulty of letting go of the past.

Themes

Grief and Loss

Grief permeates every aspect of The Cliffs, shaping the protagonist Jane’s emotional and psychological journey.   The death of her mother serves as the primary catalyst for the events that unfold in the story, forcing Jane to return to her childhood home and face the tangled remnants of her past.

Jane’s grief is multifaceted—it is not just the sorrow of losing her mother, but also the grief of unresolved feelings that have accumulated over a lifetime.   Her mother’s alcoholism and emotional distance have left scars that Jane has never fully processed.

The house, which once symbolized a place of escape, now stands as a painful reminder of everything she has tried to outrun.   In addition to her personal loss, Jane grapples with the loss of her own self-identity, as her divorce and strained relationships with her family make her feel increasingly unmoored.

The act of sorting through her mother’s possessions becomes a symbol of trying to make sense of the fragmented pieces of her life.   Jane’s journey is not only about mourning a loved one but also coming to terms with the absence of the family support she always longed for.

As Jane deals with the ghosts of her past, both literal and figurative, the theme of loss is explored deeply, revealing how grief can disrupt one’s sense of self and complicate attempts to move forward.

Family Dynamics

The Cliffs presents a complex portrait of family relationships, particularly those marked by dysfunction.   Jane’s relationship with her mother was fraught with emotional neglect, and this shapes much of her adult life.

Her mother’s alcoholism and erratic behavior left Jane feeling unsupported and disconnected.   Yet, in the aftermath of her mother’s death, Jane is forced to confront the ties that still bind her to her family.

The dynamic between Jane and her sister Holly also highlights the strain within their family.   Holly, who seems to have a different coping mechanism, clashes with Jane’s approach to their mother’s legacy.

While Jane struggles with guilt and unresolved emotions, Holly seems more ready to close that chapter of their lives.   This friction between the sisters encapsulates the different ways individuals in a family can react to trauma, often leading to miscommunication and distance.

Furthermore, Jane’s attempt to reconnect with friends like Allison and the larger community demonstrates her struggle to balance the expectations of others with her own personal desires.   The legacy of her family’s dysfunction—rooted in emotional distance, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and resentment—shapes Jane’s outlook on relationships and her ability to connect with others.

The theme of family dynamics in the novel emphasizes how deeply family shapes personal identity and how the unresolved tensions from the past can complicate efforts to build meaningful connections in the present.

Self-Discovery and Personal Transformation

Throughout The Cliffs, Jane’s journey is one of self-discovery, where she must confront her past and reassess her identity.   As the story unfolds, Jane’s emotional state reveals a profound struggle with self-doubt, guilt, and confusion about her future.

Her decision to return to Awadapquit and her reluctance to deal with her mother’s estate mirror her internal conflict.   Jane’s history, especially her troubled relationship with her mother, constantly shadows her attempts to move forward.

The psychic reading, offered as a favor by her friend Allison, becomes a pivotal moment of introspection, where Jane begins to see how much she has suppressed in terms of her past emotional traumas.   The reading is an unsettling experience, pushing her to reflect on how her behavior, particularly in relationships, has been shaped by her childhood.

The tension between moving forward and being tethered to the past is central to Jane’s transformation.   She must come to terms with the fact that she cannot escape her upbringing and that the unresolved emotional baggage she carries is not something she can simply leave behind.

Ultimately, Jane’s transformation is not about reaching a definitive answer about her past but about learning to live with the complexities of her history.   The novel explores how self-discovery is an ongoing process, and personal transformation is marked by confronting one’s flaws and vulnerabilities rather than achieving a sense of perfection.

Intimacy and Emotional Isolation

Emotional isolation is a recurring theme in The Cliffs, as Jane struggles with both her own internal barriers and her inability to fully connect with those around her.   Her marriage to David, once stable and intimate, has deteriorated, largely due to Jane’s own fears of emotional vulnerability and her tendency to push people away.

This emotional distance is a direct result of her tumultuous childhood, where she learned to protect herself from her mother’s unpredictable behavior.   Throughout the novel, Jane wrestles with her fears of intimacy—both romantic and familial—and the consequences of her inability to let others in.

Even her relationship with her sister Holly is strained by their differing emotional responses to their mother’s death, highlighting how family dynamics can reinforce feelings of isolation.   Jane’s emotional isolation is further explored through her interactions with Allison and the larger community of Awadapquit, where she feels disconnected, out of place, and unsure of her role.

The psychic medium Clementine’s reading serves as a catalyst for Jane to recognize her patterns of avoidance and emotional self-sabotage, forcing her to reconsider the way she approaches her relationships.   The theme of intimacy and isolation in the novel is a powerful exploration of how fear of vulnerability can create emotional walls that prevent genuine connections, leaving individuals to face their internal struggles alone.

The Search for Meaning and Closure

The Cliffs is a narrative driven by the characters’ search for meaning, closure, and peace in the face of unresolved pasts.   Jane’s search for meaning is intertwined with her struggles to reconcile with her past.

Her grief over her mother’s death is compounded by the lack of closure in their relationship, as many issues were left unspoken.   As she sorts through her mother’s belongings, Jane seeks to understand the woman who shaped her life but whom she could never truly understand.

Her interactions with the psychic medium, who brings up messages from her grandmother and mother, push Jane to confront the possibility that closure may not come in the form she expects.   The medium’s cryptic messages about a mysterious spirit, D, further complicate Jane’s need for answers, suggesting that closure may not be as straightforward as she once thought.

The theme of closure is also explored through Jane’s fractured relationships, especially with her ex-husband, David.   Despite their divorce, Jane’s lingering attachment to him reveals her ongoing struggle with unfinished emotional business.

The novel raises important questions about what closure means in the context of complex, unresolved relationships and suggests that seeking meaning is an ongoing process, marked by uncertainty, self-reflection, and acceptance rather than neat resolutions.