Here's why:
* The story itself: The novel is a character-driven exploration of grief, loss, and family secrets. It's not a typical "villain-hero" narrative.
* Multiple perspectives: The story unfolds through the perspectives of multiple characters, each facing their own struggles. There isn't a single "bad guy" in the traditional sense.
* Circumstances: The story is driven by the weight of the past, the decisions made by the characters, and the complicated dynamics within the family. These factors play a bigger role than any single antagonist.
However, some argue that the antagonist is arguably the "silence" surrounding the truth and the family's inability to confront it**. This silence, perpetuated by secrets and past mistakes, creates a web of tension and mistrust, ultimately driving the story forward.
Therefore, rather than focusing on a single antagonist, it's more accurate to consider the story's conflicts arising from the complex interplay of characters, their choices, and the secrets that have haunted them for years.