An important novel for children and adults, this is the story of a survivor of sexual abuse. Anna
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Belgian author Provoost tackles a weighty issue-incest-with limited success in this novel set on Cape Cod. Anna's cousin, Tara, and her parents move in with Anna's family and then into a nearby beach house allegedly haunted by a mermaid witch. Intermittently withdrawn and violent, Tara is prone to cryptic discourses. Provoost's often plodding narrative alludes to Tara's abuse by her father, but only after Tara's mother commits suicide does Tara confide in Anna. After much inner deliberation, Anna turns for help to Petr'Ann, a marine biologist who has involved the cousins in a rescue mission of beached pilot whales, and Petr'Ann effects Tara's rescue as well. Obtuse imagery, overabundant symbolism and circuitous conversations cloud this attempt to convey an inarguably important message. Ages 11-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 6-9. This well-written, sensitive novel tells several complex, interwoven stories. Anna, the narrator, lives with her parents on Cape Cod near a beach house haunted by Goody Hallett, either a sea witch or a mermaid. Anna's aunt Tanja and uncle Tony and their daughter, Tara, unexpectedly come to Cape Cod and rent the haunted house. Anna has difficulty understanding Tara, but as Tara reveals herself bit by bit, Anna's innocence gives way, first to revulsion and fear, then to compassion. After Tara's mother commits suicide, Anna learns from Tara that she is being sexually abused by her father. When a pod of pilot whales beaches itself near Anna's home, Tara and Anna meet marine biologist Petr' Ann, who senses Tara's problem, and through her intervention and the reluctant assistance of a terrified Anna and, eventually, Anna's parents, Tara gets help. Provoost not only handles the incest theme well, but also skillfully portrays the complex nature of familial relationships, particularly between the two young cousins--and that friendship is the story's central issue. Additionally, there is an engrossing parallel tale about the community's whale-rescue efforts and the girls' places in the natural environment surrounding them. Merri Monks
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