TULLA'S SUMMER

by Rose Lagercrantz ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 13, 1977

This is one of those imports from Scandinavia which seem to give an inside view of small children's peculiar associations and thought patterns, and of the innocent misconceptions behind their troublesome behavior. A typical example here is Tulla's recollection of the time she found and spilled the hidden Christmas cookies at her friend's house, then put them all in the dishwasher for a cleaning. But Tulla's main concern this summer is with her parents' quarreling; when they contemplate divorce she daydreams about the privileges of being ""the child of a broken home,"" but then they patch it up and Tulla, fearful of more fights, can scarcely be consoled. But there is comfort from Bella, a ""beautiful,"" wall-eyed, 35-year-old neighbor who helps Tulla by listening, though she doesn't pretend to believe all her outlandish lies. If Tulla hasn't the dimension of Gripe's Elvis (1976), there is poignant humor in the characterization of this troubled little girl who can do terrible things--like smashing a smaller child's porcelain doll-without losing your sympathy.

Pub Date: April 13, 1977

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1977

Categories: FICTION