Relatively Distant takes us on a journey that is peppered with typical life experiences, but in unusual and challenging circumstances. The story begins in the early seventies and brings us up to recent times. The main story is centred around a family of four, and is told at different stages from their individual viewpoints. As the younger characters mature, so does the underlying theme and the story becomes more serious and dark. Sibling rivalry is at its core, but there is an underlying history that doesn't fully reveal itself until the end.
Although the book tackles some of life's difficulties, it is sprinkled throughout with humour that helps to balance the atmosphere. The eternal question of 'nature or nurture' is posed as the main characters develop and their personalities become apparent. Relatively Distant is best described as a family tragedy, wrapped up in a love story and ending in a mystery discovered.