Terry and Laura Sheldon's twin daughters have accidentally drowned in a flood. A 10-year-old named Alfred is an African American foster child. Terry and Laura are white and take him into their home two years later still trying to cope with their loss. Terry is a Vermont State Trooper and has unresolved issues about the death of his children that he believes will be lessened by having an affair. Laura believes Alfred can give her what she needs. Alfred has been unsettled most of his life and this causes him to have certain problems, like hoarding food and trying to be invisible. A neighbor of the Sheldons invites Alfred over to learn to ride horses and to talk to him about the black cavalry men in the old west. The Native Americans called them Buffalo Soldiers. | ||
Plot & Themes Tone of book? - thoughtful Time/era of story - 1980's-1999 Internal struggle/realization? Yes Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Pregnancy/Child rearing Yes Coping with loss of loved one(s) Yes Loss of... Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - a kid Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor Intelligence - Average intelligence Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 3 () United States Yes The US: - Northeast Farm/Ranch? Yes Farm/Ranch: - ranch Small town? Yes Small town people: - nice, like Andy/Opie/Aunt Bee Writing Style Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only - Boob talk! Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |