A FROG'S-EYE VIEW

by Rebecca Busselle ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1990

From the author of Bathing Ugly (1989), another thoughtful novel with a sensitive main character. Neela, 17, only child of self-involved parents, faces a lonely summer as boy friend Nick becomes consumed with a new job, his new band, and, perhaps, the band's female singer. Obsessively jealous, Neela has no one to turn to but Aunt Amelia, now living in the family house. Anxious to make any connection, Neela asks her aunt, who (like her late husband) is a talented photographer, whether she may borrow a camera. Aunt Amelia, to whom photography is a reminder of her husband's loss, agrees reluctantly but then provides instruction as well. Though she initially uses picture-taking to act out her obsession, Neela discovers that she, too, has both talent and love for photography; this knowledge helps both her and her aunt to move beyond their anguish. Narrated by Neela, the book's greatest strength is its depiction of the misery of her rejection and the healing relationship with Aunt Amelia. A scene in which Neela offers sex to keep Nick is vividly painful. Other plot elements and characterizations are mostly believable, but occasionally forced. Still, original and moving.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 208

Publisher: Orchard/Watts

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S