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Overview
James and Sammy Tillerman are as different as two brothers can be. But when Jimmy seeks out their missing father, Sammy joins in. As they ask questions, and move closer to their quest, it is Sammy who grows more interested—until the questions lead the brothers to a seedy waterfront bar where violence erupts...."Keeps your interest...Quite suspenseful."
KIDSDY-NEWSDAY
Six years after coming to live with their grandmother, James and Sammy Tillerman go in search of their long-lost father.
Synopsis
Will a common cause unite two brothers—or drive them further apart? Find out in the sixth installment of Cynthia Voigt’s Tillerman cycle.If James and Sammy Tillerman agree on anything, it’s that they have nothing in common. Sammy is a tough jock, while James is an intellectual who has begun to question his identity. Then James enlists his brother’s help to find Francis Verricker, who may be the father who deserted them long ago. Through this quest, the brothers learn more about themselves than they thought possible.
Cynthia Voigt writes realistically of human failure—and triumph—in this poignant novel from her acclaimed Tillerman cycle.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly -
This installment of the Tillerman saga (begun in Homecoming) focuses on the Tillerman brothers' search for the father who abandoned them; PW said the work "rings with truth and compassion." Ages 12-up. (Sept.)School Library Journal
Gr 6-8 In this continuation of the Tillerman saga, the focus is on brothers James and Sammy. Always the questioner, James is determined to find the father he never knew. His main objective is to see if his own character traits, especially his intelligence, which sets him apart, are inherited from this shadowy figure from the past. Reluctantly, Sammy joins in on the search, which is made more difficult because they do not confide in Gram, nor older sister Dicey, who is away at college. Readers are drawn into the hunt, hoping that the merchant seaman father is found, yet fearing what kind of man he will turn out to be. (Those familiar with Voigt's Runner Atheneum, 1985 already have an idea.) Voigt is wise to make the search inconclusive; it ends at a waterfront bar in a fight with ex-associates of their father. Yet the story itself comes to a conclusion, for James has found himself and has at least become more comfortable with his unique qualities. The theme of fatherhood is woven throughout the narrative, including Greek myths and the fathers of friends. And while the search is the main element in this story, Voigt allows her characters to pursue other interests along the way. Readers who are not familiar with the earlier Tillerman novels, such as Homecoming (1981) and Dicey's Song (1982, both Atheneum), will have no problem finding their place in this story, as Voigt fills in enough of the background to cover any questions. However, they will no doubt be motivated to go back to the earlier episodes to become further acquainted with these characters who have remained marvelously consistent under Voigt's hand. Just as James' search drives him to the conclusion, so will readers be compelled to stay with his story from start to finish. Susan Schuller, Milwaukee Public LibraryBook Details
Published
July 10, 2012
Publisher
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Pages
288
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9781442428836