One-half of Deux Lectrices, writing about the things I read.
I don't remember Sally being so bitter. Nearly every line she's spoke in the scene with Joshua and his wife is 'spat'.
I'm also not a huge fan of Helen. =/ I'd like to be because I liked her diary entries in The Long Earth, but her character so far has mostly just been extremely jealous of Sally coming by and asking Josh for help even though Josh has repeatedly assured her that he isn't interested in Sally.