Synopsis
How can Camilla learn to be an adult when her parents are acting like children?
School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up—In Madeleine L'Engle's coming-of-age story (Farrar Straus, 2009) set shortly after the end of World War II, Camilla Dickinson, 15, has lived a relatively carefree, yet sheltered life and is content to spend her days going to school, doing homework, and strolling along the streets of New York City with her best friend, Luisa. Camilla's world begins to change when she starts dating Luisa's brother, Frank, causing a huge rift in their friendship. In a short time, her entire world flips upside down. Camilla's mother, craving the love of her undemonstrative husband, begins an affair with Jacques, and Camilla witnesses them in a passionate kiss. Rejection from Camilla, the subsequent loss of Jacques' affection, and further indifference from her husband causes her mother to slit her wrists. Thus begins the struggle for the family to rebuild their lives, albeit in an odd way, with Camilla's mother and father moving to Italy and Camilla attending a boarding school. Ann Marie Lee perfectly captures Camilla's flutter-love excitement, curiosity, and disappointment, while also bringing to life a paraplegic veteran's sarcasm and disillusionment and a married couple's bitterness. The author tenderly tackles the subjects of religion, suicide, first love, and more. A must-have for all L'Engle collections.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH