For the Life of Laetitia (Aerial Fiction) [Paperback]

Merle Hodge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 1994 | Series: Aerial Fiction

Twelve-year-old Lacey is thrilled to be the first in her family to be admitted to secondary school, even though it means leaving her small Caribbean village and moving into town.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Laetitia is the first in her family to attend secondary school in this intriguing drama. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-8-- Set in an unnamed Caribbean country, this novel introduces Laetitia, who has won a place in the government secondary school. In order to attend, however, she must leave her close-knit rural village, where she lives with her grandparents and relatives, and move to her father's home in La Puerta. Although her father has money and values her achievements, he is domineering and abusive toward his new wife and son. As the term goes on, he refuses to let Lacey visit her family on weekends. All is not rosy in school either, for several teachers are incompetent and look down on the students. Lacey befriends a shy girl of Asian Indian heritage, but Anjanee's difficult life drives her to depression and suicide. Lacey, too, breaks down from the pressure, but caring relatives work out a solution that, while not ideal, will allow her to stay in school. Hodge has written a thoughtful, evenhanded novel that will prod readers to examine their own values. Unfortunately, its appeal is limited by a slow start and a first-person voice that is often too adult. The author shows the diversity of the West Indies through food, holidays, expressions, place names, and some of the area's racial and social complexities. However, there is not enough information to give readers unfamiliar with the culture a full picture, and there is no glossary. The story may attract readers of a West Indian heritage, but without additional explanation, few others will be drawn to it. --Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Siena College Library, Loudonville, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (October 30, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374424446
• ISBN-13: 978-0374424442
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,891,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, February 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: For the Life of Laetitia (Aerial Fiction) (Paperback)

"For the Life of Laetitia"is a wonderful book about a young girl who lives in the Carribean. Lacey is the first of her family to go to secondary school. This sparks sudden interest from her father, who she barley knows. Lacey exceeds above all of her class mates at her new school. She meets a new friend who she grows to love and need. In the long run, Anjanee (Lacey's friend) helps Lacey more than she could ever know. This book is essential for young people to read. It tells of determination,pressare, hard ships and struggle. Differances , family, friendships, and the simple things that bring happiness to life.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very moving book!, May 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: For the Life of Laetitia (Hardcover)

I thought that "For the life of Laetitia" was an excellent book. I really got into the story and when her father started to get nasty I really wanted to meet him and slap him! My favourite part must have been when she got to go home with her grandmother and grandfather. But I also liked reading about the fun that her and Anjanee had. I was so upset when Anjanee died. I would recommend this book for ages 12-15 as some of the parts are for older children rather than younger.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this book is good, December 31, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: For the Life of Laetitia (Aerial Fiction) (Paperback)

This book was very good. It was about a girl, Laetitia (pronouced La-tee-sha) who lives in the islands. Sh got exepted in a secondary school, and lives with her father <dont confuse pappy with her father, pappy is her grandfather- also dont confuseMa with Mammy Patsy, Ma is her Grandmother>