One thing I think is common to the Marlow books is that adults in authority - such as teachers, council, police etc - are not shown to be infallible and are certainly not regarded as always being 'right' by the children and I think RAH continues this theme. Both of Edward's parents behave appallingly, really, and so I think the Marlow's actions are driven entirely by what Edward seems to want. He is - after all - about twelve (I think?) and we are viewing this book from an adult perspective; it is harder for adults to think that a twelve year old might know what is best for him than it is for someone Nicola's age. Although Giles, Rowan etc are older, I think the plot is written for someone Nicola's age, and therefore the views within are perhaps more applicable to that agegroup.

Sorry, I've explained this terribly badly, but I'm very out of practice with book discussions..

Incidently, my favourite bit in this book is Lawrie's complete ignorance of most of the trauma!!