Pictures in the Dark [Hardcover]

Patricia McCord (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 6, 2004

Sisters Carlie and Sarah live in a little old house in Spokane, Washington. It's the 1950s and the Nevilles seem like the perfect family-Dad runs a floor-cleaning business, and Mom takes care of the girls. But something is wrong, and no matter how careful Sarah and Carlie are, they never know what might make their mother fly into a rage. They don't know if they'll get dinner, or be able to take a bath, or talk to a new friend on the phone. And they are not sure if their hardworking dad even knows what is going on. The only question is how long this can continue before someone snaps. In this carefully balanced story about a carefully unbalanced family, Patricia McCord takes us into the hearts of two strong and resourceful girls, sisters whose story will resonate with readers for a long time to come.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-10-A compelling novel set in 1950s Seattle. Twelve-year-old Sarah and her older sister, Carlie, know that their lives are different from those of their peers. When at home, unless summoned by their mother, they are supposed to stay in their attic bedroom. Common activities such as eating or using the bathroom are forbidden without her approval. Noise of any kind is frowned upon because that might disturb their mother and one never knows what will happen when she is unhappy. Everything comes to a head when Carlie is caught and beaten for trying on one of her mother's dresses. Running away from home is her solution, but Sarah becomes bold enough to tell their workaholic father the dark secret about their mother. McCord has written a taut, powerful story about family dynamics when one parent is suffering from a mental illness and the other fails to recognize the problem. The bond between the sisters grows and is strengthened through adversity. Though there is no pat resolution, the book has a strong message of hope, love, and forgiveness.
Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 7-10. Twelve-year-old Sarah and 15-year-old Carlie live in quiet terror of their unpredictable mother, who feeds them or allows them to bathe or watch TV only as her mood dictates. It isn't until their mother gets a job, and housekeeper Josephine comes to take care of them, that the girls begin to understand both what a normal life is and how dysfunctional theirs has become. McCord has painted a bleak yet often hopeful picture of a family coping with mental illness. Set in the 1950s, when mental illness was misunderstood and less acknowledged, McCord's novel celebrates the courage and resourcefulness of two teens. The girls find creative ways to maintain their own sanity, and eventually they muster the courage to force outside intervention and shed light on their mother's condition. Also illuminating are the views of women's lives in the 1950s--the expectations, routines, and dullness--at a time when the debate about working mothers was just beginning. A poignant, enlightening read. Frances Bradburn
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 225 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (May 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582348480
• ISBN-13: 978-1582348483
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,445,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lights up the darkness, November 10, 2004

By 

Reader "Carrie" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pictures in the Dark (Hardcover)

I am a firm believer that some books are lifesavers. This is one. Patricia McCord's "Pictures in the Dark" is an unsentimental, but moving depiction of how two sisters, one twelve, the other fifteen, endure their mother's madness. Set in the 1950s, when mental illness was more stigmatized and misunderstood, this is about a family that keeps bad secrets. The writing is spare and taut and the suspense will keep older children and teenagers turning the pages. This is a courageous and daring book that deserves a wide readership.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Work of Realisitic Fiction to Remember, June 13, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Pictures in the Dark (Hardcover)

This thoughtfully written story tells of the pains of growing up with a family that has a problem they are not willing to face, having a mother that needs mental assisitance. However, sisters Sarah and Carlie manage to make their lives bearable. But when their mother beats Carlie for trying on her dress, and she runs away, Sarah realizes she needs to release the truth to her father and the people she loves. Make sure you don't miss out on this remarkable story!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars awesome book you have to read it!, June 14, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Pictures in the Dark (Hardcover)

Pictures in the dark is about two girls named Charlie and Sarah that have a horrible mother. They don't eat regularly, take showers regularly they can't even go to the bathroom at night because the flushing of the toilet will wake their mom up. Charlie has a boyfriend named Jesse who she really loves. Sarah is afraid that Charlie will run off with Jesse and leave her with her nasty mother. Then, something dramatic happens to Charlie and Sarah, and their lives are never the same. I would definitely recommend this book; it was awesome. The way its written makes you want to keep reading and reading. I'm not a big reader but this book captured me. You will also love this book if you have read A Child Called It. They're about kids going through a tough time in their lives.