Richard Flanagan. Desire (№ 289733)

After weighing his chances, he realized that they had not. Something broke between them, and it was impossible to correct by word or deed. All this is painfully perceived by the household. It seemed that bickering echoed as infection - squabbles between boys and girls, between older and younger, between the governess and servants, as if the house settled evil, destructive spirit, and even the furniture refused to prop up the wall. It was an endless misery which it was impossible to stop.