depressing core plots that exactly, and thematically, spell out that women born into low circumstance cannot rise above their station. worst than that, the 3 sisters all take very different routes but all end up prostituting themselves (with the added insult that they that don't consider it oppression because it is a voluntary choice - ha) Also, there seems to be some retroactive morality placed on Degas (yes, the famous painter) based on his exhibiting the criminal portraits with the young dancer; that is quite a stretch
ultimately, the author was heavy-handed with the theme, failed at fully showing the sisters' motivations and relationships, and too easily glossed over financial stewardship.