CHLORIS AND THE CREEPS

by Kin Platt ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1973

In our opinion, Kin Platt's portraits of disturbed children have not always hit the mark. But Chloris -- in her violent hatred of the ""creeps"" her mother dates -- and her rejection of her new stepfather in favor of an idealized memory of her dead (suicided) one -- is totally believable. Chloris' growing obsession is related by her eight-year-old sister Jenny, who is drawn by the easygoing generosity of her new dad Fidel Mancha and, at the same time, feels called upon to remain aloof from him out of loyalty to her older sister. The disillusionment comes too abruptly with the news that the dead father left an insurance policy for Jenny only (while borrowing against the one that was meant as Chloris' inheritance), but Platt's strength lies in his ability to show Chloris both from her mother's point of view as a disturbing and disturbed child, and through the more intimate, non-judgmental eyes of her sympathetic sister. You can identify here where you like -- with ""normal,"" reserved Jenny or with obstinate Chloris or with their anxious mother. . . or with gentle Fidel who encourages Chloris to act out her fantasies by painting an oversized picture of her father as superman and arranging a visit to his grave. Unlike the hero of Hey, Dummy (1972) whose regression seemed both insufficiently motivated and dramatically unsubstantiated, Chloris is simply one of those people who has trouble letting go of her past; and as such she will be familiar to readers of all ages.

Pub Date: April 1, 1973

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Chilton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1973

Categories: FICTION