Timescape Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

Marjorie lay up ahead, no doubt frightened to be alone. He remembered her preserves on the uncompromising straight shelving, and smiled. They could eat those for some time. Have some easy meals together, as they did in the days before the children. They would soon have to go to the countryside and get Johnny and Nicky, of course. (45.32)

Ultimately, Renfrew does decide to submit to the inevitable, forgo his experiment, and spend the rest of his (limited) days with his family. But it's hard to say he found a balance, seeing as he can't pursue his work any further. So do you think the novel believes a balance is possible? Or is it suggesting that family and a passion for one's work are incompatible?