Something Very Sorry [Paperback]

Arno Bohlmeijer (Author)

Book Description

The true story of a young girl's struggle to come to terms with a tragedy. This sober narration reveals the private voice of a girl as she copes with the aftermath of a car accident: her mother's death, the injuries of her father and sister, and her own grief, anger, and fear of the future.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Translated by its accomplished Dutch author, this poignant, achingly memorable novel relates the thoughts and feelings of a nine-year-old girl as she recovers from a serious automobile accident involving her entire family. Only a glimpse of Rosemyn's carefree childhood is offered before that split second when her father takes his eyes off the road and irrevocably alters their lives. Lying in traction in the hospital, Rosemyn ponders her father's guilt in causing the accident, wonders if her brain-damaged younger sister will ever be "normal" again, and grieves for her mother, comatose and dying. Even during the bleakest moments of this novel, its strong undercurrent of love and hope will reach the reader. Nurses, friends, relatives and neighbors join forces to ease Rosemyn's emotional pain. Most touching is Rosemyn's father's unyielding determination to rebuild a life with his children. Although the subject matter of this book may be too intense for some readers, most will be drawn into this day-to-day account of spiritual recovery, relishing the subtle beauty of the author's prose and its life-affirming message. Ages 10-14. (Apr.) FYI: This is a true story; the character of Rosemyn is the author's own daughter.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8?A novel based on actual events, written by the main character's father. Just before Christmas, a family of four is involved in a car accident. Rosemyn (the 9-year-old narrator), her younger sister Phoebe, and father are badly hurt. Her mother ultimately dies after adult family members decide to remove her from life-support machines. Readers experience, along with the characters, the physical and emotional aftereffects of the accident, described day-by-day through Rosemyn's perceptions. Each character exhibits confusion, frustration, anger, and grief. Rosemyn also tries to help her sister, who has suffered brain damage from the crash. The power of the story resides in the realistic resilience and strength the three survivors draw from one another and their friends and relatives as they remain in the hospital and their healing begins. At the book's conclusion, they return home and begin rebuilding their lives. Bohlmeijer creates a poignant, sensitive account of a traumatic family situation. An imported title most worthy of a place in special collections on death and grief.?Cheryl Cufari, N. A. Walbran Elementary School, Oriskany, NY
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 175 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (November 10, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698116100
• ISBN-13: 978-0698116108
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,872,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A hoped filled book about a girl's struggle with grief, January 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Something Very Sorry (Paperback)

When nine-year-old Rose's family is in a car crash, Rose is faced with a tremendoous amount of grief. Her sister has brain damage and her father holds strong as he suffers with and iron peg in his leg. Rose's mother is taken to a different hospital and dies there. Even when Rose blaims her father for her mother's death, he holds strong and heals his family with dignity. This is a heart felt story of love, grief and healing, sure to touch your heart in a special way.