Synopsis
Victoria Miller is a hard-working member of a Montreal swim team who has been training six days a week for the past four years. That's what it takes to keep up with her teammate and rival, Svetlana. Most of the other swimmers are spurred on by their parents -- but not Victoria. In fact, her mother doesn't seem interested in much of anything these days, and her father has buried himself in work. When the family situation takes a grim turn, Victoria looks for help -- and finds it in an unexpected way.
Beverley Fahey - Children's Literature
Veronica Miller had dedicated her young life to improving her times and strengthening her stroke as a member of a Montreal swim team. With provincial trials coming up and with an eye toward nationals, Veronica becomes more and more distracted by her mother's increasing depression and withdrawal. One day in late May, her mother disappears and a frantic Veronica begins to snoop for answers. In the bottom drawer of a nightstand, she finds a yellowed newspaper article that helps to clear up the mystery. Twenty-five years ago her mother had been a lifeguard at a pool and was unable to save the life of a six-year old boy and has never been able to get past the guilt she feels. This new understanding of her mother forces Veronica to confront her father, who has distanced himself from his family by burying himself in his work. She demands he listen to her and focus on fixing his family. This coming-of-age story has strong likeable characters and easily blends the sports theme with the family crisis. Trusted adults and core friendships are Veronica's allies as she tries to sort out the chaos and confusion caused by her mother's absence. Mom's turnabout is rather facile but works within the parameters of the plot. There is a budding romance between Veronica and swim team member Matt, and a fierce competition between Veronica and Ukraine swimmer Svetlana to add another dimension to the story. The slim little volume will be a light and undemanding read by the pool on a hot summer day. 2004, James Lorimer & Company, Ages 10 to 13.