Good to a Fault (2008) by Marina Endicott follows Clara Purdy, a 43-year-old woman stuck in a routine after her mother’s death, living in the family home and lacking a social life or romantic prospects. Clara’s world is turned upside down when she causes a car accident involving Lorraine Gage, whose health is soon found to be in decline due to terminal cancer. Clara, feeling an overwhelming sense of responsibility, offers to take Lorraine and her family in. As they move into Clara’s house, she assumes the role of caretaker, but tensions arise as she navigates the complex dynamics of her new housemates. The novel explores themes of guilt, self-sacrifice, and the balance between helping others and caring for oneself. Clara’s journey is a reflection on the meaning of goodness, the limitations of selflessness, and the difficult path to healing and self-discovery after a loss.
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