Synopsis: At the center of Francine Prose's profoundly moving new novel is a young girl facing the consequences of sudden loss after the death of her sister. As her parents drift toward their own risky consolations, thirteen-year-old Nico is left alone to grope toward understanding and clarity, falling into a seductive, dangerous relationship with her sister's enigmatic boyfriend.
Over one haunted summer, Nico must face that life-changing moment when children realize their parents can no longer help them. She learns about the power of art, of time and place, the mystery of loss and recovery. But for all the darkness at the novel's heart, the narrative itself is radiant with the lightness of summer and charged by the restless sexual tension of teenage life.
Quick Take: Recommend - this is another book that leaves me wondering. Nico is thirteen and present when her sister disappears and ends up dead. The book takes place over a few months - the parents have little time to parent as they attempt to survive each day. The first 100 pages do not move fast but once you get to about page 100 Nico starts a crazy/unhealthy/strange relationship with her older sisters boyfriend.
I kept thinking about The Local News while reading this book - the parents involvement was similar and the young daughter was left alone too much. That said, there is a lot to discuss which makes it a great book club selection.
Click here to read/join in the discussion on Gayle's blog.
Source: review copy