Synopsis
In this novel by Margaret Buffie, a family struggles to get back on their feet at an inherited lodge in cottage country, while 16-year-old Bernice learns to get a handle on her rage.
Claire Rosser - KLIATT
Out of Focus is an old, too-true sounding story about a teenager with extra burdens, looking after her younger siblings because their single mother is an irresponsible alcoholic. The motif that appears and reappears is that of photography, with interesting quotes at the start of each chapter. Bernice is an accomplished photographer who uses her camera to distance herself from the chaos of her life. When she finds out that a great-aunt she never met has died and left the family a lodge on a lake, she insists that her mother take them there to start a new life. The place is in ruins, but so are their lives; Bernice insists they work hard to fix the place up so they can live there, making a living by running a store for the summer visitors. This plan begins to work out, with the help of friendly neighbors who adored the woman who was their aunt. As the mother Celia gets stronger, and the little children find their own way, Bernice oddly gets more and more angry. Her fury drives her, but confuses her as well. Jack, the teenager next door who shares Bernice's knowledge of photography, teases her and obviously is attracted to her, but he has a hard time getting through her defenses. Family secrets are revealed, understanding begins to seep into their relationships, and readers are treated to a moving story about a remarkably strong teenager, Bernice, who has not known much happiness, but finally begins to enjoy life. Buffie gets it right. KLIATT Codes: JS--Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2006, Kids Can Press, 239p., $16.95 and $6.95. Ages 12 to 18.