"The shimmering, sleepy midsummer atmosphere is just plain luscious," said PW of this 1959 tale of romance between Kieran and Sidonie, grief-stricken from her mother's death. Ages 13-up.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 7-12-- Soon-to-be-16 Sidonie Fallows and her older sister, Bobbi, are having difficulty adjusting to their mother's death. Their father escapes to his work in the local TB hospital, Bobbi escapes to a dutiful but angry woman-of-the-house role, and Sidonie longs for the comfort of a loving, understanding person. Enter Kieran McMorran. They become friends, but would prefer more. When it seems he can help Sidonie cope with her grief, the boy's own problems surface. After a dramatic climax in which Sidonie nearly drowns, the behavior of the primary characters indicates progress in the healing and growing process. This novel is far better than average, but below the masterful precedent set by Brooks's Paradise Cafe and Other Stories (Joy St., 1990). Written primarily in present tense (with important flashbacks), the plot moves along smoothly, with no dragging or dead spots, to a satisfying ending. The characters are another strength. All are realistic individuals who develop credible insight and self-understanding over the course of the story. A book that belongs on the shelf with the few but essential novels that are both intelligently written and appealing to YA audiences. --Ellen Ramsay, Amphitheater High School, Tucson, AZ
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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