This is one of the most beautiful compilations of ugliness I've ever read. It's got all the bad things in this world - violence, drugs, abuse, a serial killer - but somehow I ended up feeling like I'd been honored by being able to read it; that the author had told me a wonderful secret entrusted to a few favored friends.
Taylor Markham lives in a boarding school off of Jellicoe Road. She is the war master, in charge of leading her school to victory in the annual territory war with the Townies (locals) and the Cadets (military school students who visit for a few months). When House Mother Hannah goes missing, Taylor must solve the mystery of her own past, including who the boy in her dreams is and why her mother dumped her at a 7-11 when she was eleven. The result is an incredibly pleasing, emotional tale about identity and family.
That being said, it takes a bit of doing to get used to the rhythm of the book. The organization is a little like the TV show LOST. Flashbacks in the form of book excerpts as well as dream time intermingle with the here and now with little warning. Stop fighting it, and things go better. Try and create a timeline and you'll want to pull your hair out.
No comments:
Post a Comment