BookAround the StateFrom back cover: "The summer that Patty Bergen turned twelve is a summer that will haunt her forever. When her small hometown in Arkansas becomes the site of a camp housing German prisoners during World War II, Patty learns what it means to open her heart. Even though she's Jewish, she begins to see a prison escapee, Anton, not as a Nazi -- but as a lonely, frightened young man with feelings not unlike her own, who understands and appreciates her in a way her parents never will. And Patty is willing to risk losing family, friends -- even her freedom -- for what has quickly become the most important part of her life."
What did I like: There is something gripping about this tragic story, and it held my attention throughout. The characters are well-drawn, Patty especially. Green evokes a wonderful sense of time and place in this small 1941 town. She does a fantastic job in showcasing the evils of prejudice, bigotry, racism and the mob-mentality.
What I didn't like: Sometimes Patty acts just like a 12-year-old should, but I found her love for the German soldier to be way too mature. Then again, she needs someone to love. In her own life, there is just Ruth, the "colored woman" who is babysitter and housekeeper. Her parents just seem to hate her and that never made sense to me. True, she lies but that is mainly to make herself more appealing; she's not as pretty as her younger sister, but still attractive. I don't know, it just didn't make sense that her mother would deliberately sabotage her by sending her to a beautician who was sure to ruin her hair; and her father would beat her almost senseless for even slight infractions. Why?
It is a very sad story, but has hope at the end. You get a sense that Patty will overcome the limitations her parents place on her and survive to become a strong, intelligent woman, much better than those who raised her.
Rating: 4
I finished reading this book a couple of weeks ago, and enjoyed the strong, believable characters, especially Patty. I wanted to read more about them, so I ordered the sequel, Morning is a Long Time Coming. What a disappointment! I am about half way through it and will read to the end, because I care about the characters, but the book is poorly written and poorly edited. It's hard to believe the same person wrote both books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review...I have this one on my shelf....Somewhere! I'll have to give it a go. B.
ReplyDeleteI finished reading the sequel and it improved greatly after the first half. Patty continues to grow in self-awareness as she travels to Europe, has a love affair, faces health problems, and begins to shed the bonds of her abusive past. This is the adult book for people who enjoyed Summer of My German Soldier when they were younger.
ReplyDeleteI read this book in high school, and then read it again a couple of years ago and thought it held up pretty well.
ReplyDeleteIf you enjoyed Summer of My German Soldier, you might also enjoy Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Burns. It is set in the south around 1906 and the story is told by a teenager, but it centers around the intriguing lives--and deaths--of his relatives. Both books explore the inner workings of complicated family relationships and small town life.
ReplyDeleteI've been busy building a photobook and haven't been blogging. I can see that you've been reading a lot in that time. This book has been on my TBR list for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI read this years ago, but I still remember the part about the dictionary. Thanks for reminding me of this young adult classic. I'll have to pick it up again someday.
ReplyDeletethis book sucked
ReplyDeleteLoved the book! A touching story of a Jewish girl and her race's enemy. Friendship seeps out everywhere. Very moved by this. Can't wait to try the sequel! You've got to read this
ReplyDelete