This story is set on the Massachusetts coast, a social setting well removed from central Illinois, and it's important in that the main characters are "old money" - their families have been wealthy for 300 years, living in the same historic house, attending the same snobish prep schools, their lives bound by traditions that extend to what sports they go out for (crewing) and naturally what college they will attend and what professions they will study for. But money can only insulate people to an extent, and trouble can enter anyone's life.
The story follows Henry through the storm of trouble stirred up when his older brother is hit by a truck belonging to a Cambodian refugee, Chaun. Class conflict, racial prejudice, sibling rivalry, and, most of all, grief play a part in Henry's perfect storm of a summer between 8th grade and freshman year.
The book gets off to a slow start as the reader gets to know the personalities of the main characters, but once that's established, the reader is hooked into having to know how the storm will resolve itself and who else will fall victim. And a road trip that includes a lovable clown of a black lab doesn't hurt, either.
No comments:
Post a Comment