| This novel is written from the point of view of three characters: Susannah, a journalist and single parent of thirteen year old Lizzie, Lizzie herself, and Teddy, Lizzie's father, an artist who loves his daughter,and is on good terms with Susannah, but is pretty good at avoiding family responsibility.
The first chapter is from Susannah's point of view, the second from Lizzie's and the third from Teddy's, and so on. Often, the very same event is described quite differently depending on whose perspective it's from. And there are some events, of course, that only one of the characters experiences. One very significant event is the death of Susannah's father. Interestingly, even though dead, he is the 'antagonist' in the story, because it is because of him that Lizzie has never met her mother's family, and it's his death that brings Susannah and Lizzie to her parents' home after 14 years. And it is this visit that bring all kinds of emotions to the fore - for both Susannah and Lizzie. Meanwhile, Teddy is also affected, because while Susannah and Lizzie are away, he gets arrested for his part in a peace demonstration. In jail, he doesn't have Susannah and Lizzie for support, but finds that he has time to consider where his lifestyle may be leading him. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - thoughtful Time/era of story - 1980's-1999 Internal struggle/realization? Yes Struggle over Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Coping with loss of loved one(s) Yes Loss of... Main Character Gender - Female Profession/status: Age: - 40's-50's Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 60's-90's Profession/status: How sensitive is this character? Setting The Americas (not US): Yes Small town? Yes Small town people: - nice, like Andy/Opie/Aunt Bee Writing Style Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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