The novel Cloudstreet by Tim Winton thoroughly explores the theme of reconciliation. Reconciliation is the acceptance, healing, understanding and moving on that takes place between characters, between self and between characters and their environment. Winton displays a nostalgia attitude associated with homecoming that is very significant to the theme. The characters are longing for a home or in other words a place that brings peace and comfort. The characters and setting play a vital role in their journeys and interaction to promote the theme of reconciliation, which is surrounded with nostalgia attitudes.
             The character of Dolly is described as a beautiful woman who is lazy, irresponsible and an alcoholic who desperately attempts to hold onto her youth through engaging in sexual activities. Dolly is the anthesis of what we expect a mother to be.
             Rose is the daughter of Dolly. Rose is full of dreams and ambition however this potential for greatness is hindered by the fact that she must at such a young age take on the responsibility of her family. Rose learns to cook and clean, and even though she has a strong desire to stay in school she does the selfless thing and leaves to get a job and help support her family. Because Rose is forced into this role of responsibility that should be her mothers, she feels resentment towards Dolly.
             Rose is first introduced to the reader when collecting her mother from the pub, but at the age of fourteen she makes a decision to no longer attempt to bring her mother home. Rose misses out on the benefits of having a strong relationship with her mother and also misses out on being a child as she is forced to grow up so quickly and fulfil her mothers role in the family. When the Lambs move in next door, Rose is introduced to the character of Oriel who is the exact opposite to Dolly. This allows Rose to compare her own mother with Oriel and fuel her resentment that she feels for Dolly because Rose can ...