by Robert Cormier
Summary:
Part I of this book is the first look at the character Trent. Part II introduces the character Jason Dorrant. The second chapter of Part II opens with the “body of seven-year-old Alicia Bartlett” being found in the woods.
The small town is determined to find out who the killer is, yet unfortunately there is no evidence to help the police. Thus, Trent, the officer who is known for getting confessions, is brought in by the local detective to interrogate Jason. Jason is brought to the police station thinking that he and other boys from the town are there to help the police, yet the focus is on him. The majority of the book is centred on Jason and Trent’s conversation inside a small, stuffy, cramped, windowless room.
The dialogue that ensues is fascinating, for the author is omniscient with both characters. This means that the reader is better able to understand the intricate push and pull between the characters. What starts off as easy-going questioning quickly becomes a vicious interrogation.
Part III starts, after a gut-wrenching conclusion to end Part II, by revisiting both Trent and Jason separately. Yet, Robert Cormier does not leave the reader entirely settled and comfortable as the last few pages are turned. It is here, at the end, when the book manages to leave the reader’s mind spinning and whirling with shock.
Other books by this author:
Frenchtown Summer
Heros
In the Middle of the Night
We All Fall Down
Tunes for Bears to Dance to
Fade
Beyond the Chocolate War
The Chocolate War
Summary:
Part I of this book is the first look at the character Trent. Part II introduces the character Jason Dorrant. The second chapter of Part II opens with the “body of seven-year-old Alicia Bartlett” being found in the woods.
The small town is determined to find out who the killer is, yet unfortunately there is no evidence to help the police. Thus, Trent, the officer who is known for getting confessions, is brought in by the local detective to interrogate Jason. Jason is brought to the police station thinking that he and other boys from the town are there to help the police, yet the focus is on him. The majority of the book is centred on Jason and Trent’s conversation inside a small, stuffy, cramped, windowless room.
The dialogue that ensues is fascinating, for the author is omniscient with both characters. This means that the reader is better able to understand the intricate push and pull between the characters. What starts off as easy-going questioning quickly becomes a vicious interrogation.
Part III starts, after a gut-wrenching conclusion to end Part II, by revisiting both Trent and Jason separately. Yet, Robert Cormier does not leave the reader entirely settled and comfortable as the last few pages are turned. It is here, at the end, when the book manages to leave the reader’s mind spinning and whirling with shock.
Other books by this author:
Frenchtown Summer
Heros
In the Middle of the Night
We All Fall Down
Tunes for Bears to Dance to
Fade
Beyond the Chocolate War
The Chocolate War
3 comments:
New York Times review by Mark Oppenheimer can be found at this link:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9507E2DE1F39F93BA25752C1A9679C8B63
My reaction:
The New York Times review by Mark Oppenheimer took a couple of readings, but by far is my favourite review. This reviewer takes a look at what made Cormier an excellent writer. In Mark’s opinion it was Cormier's ability to show evil in black and white, to show the struggle between good and bad, and to convey a problem, yet not provide the solution that draws readers into his books. This is why I believe this would be a great book for young adults to read and, most definitely, to discuss.
Five Owls review by Stephen Fraser and a summary by Cormier's widow can be found at this link:
http://fiveowls.com/reviews/rag.htm
My reaction:
The review found on the Five Owls website, and the Barnes and Noble online bookstore, by Stephen Fraser includes a summary by Robert Cormier’s widow. She describes the book as being more accurately an adult’s novella. Fraser too states at the end of the review that he doesn’t believe it is a children’s book; however, I believe it is a great book that could lead to elaborate debates. This book is no more disturbing than the evening news. The portion of this review that I did enjoy is the comparing of the interrogation between Trent and Jason to a movie script. I, as a reader, truly felt and imagined the tiny room that the characters are in and the dialogue is incredibly consuming. I can easily picture a screenplay that centres on the office, yet provides flashbacks about the characters.
Publisher's Weekly review can be found at this link:
http://reviews.publishersweekly.com/bd.aspx?isbn=0385729626&pub=pw
My reaction:
This is a great review because it gives a summary of the book, yet still allows the twists and turns to stay secret. My favourite line from this review is: "The chilling results of the questioning will leave an indelible mark on readers and prompt heated discussions regarding the definition of guilt and the fine line between truth and deception." Just the words "indelible mark" winds my mind back up and expresses my anguish because I am the only one I know who has read this book.
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