August 23, 2010
In a historical fiction debut, Fox delivers an emotional coming-of-age story about pampered 16-year-old Maggie Bennet, from an upper class East Coast family. After losing her psychologically unbalanced mother, Maggie's father drags her to Yellowstone, an "alien place where everything seemed huge and overbearing," to create a new beginning. Despite her grief over her mother and having left behind comfortable high-society life in 1906 Rhode Island, she quickly becomes attracted to Tom, a rugged geologist, even as her father arranges her engagement to a controlling, wealthy older man. Fox does little to hide Maggie's spoiled and haughty ways, and in early chapters, readers may find her voice whiny and unsympathetic ("It was unfair that this was happening now. That... Papa would make this unnamed discovery now—it was unfair!"). But as Maggie uncovers the truth about her mother's disappearance, and experiences the thrill of independence, she transforms into a strong, capable, and likable young woman. Despite a sluggish start, Fox surprises readers with unexpected revelations about Maggie's family and offers a spirited finale. Ages 12–up.
August 1, 2010
Gr 7 Up-It's May of 1904, and 16-year-old Maggie Bennet should be planning her debut into Newport society. Unfortunately, her father has other plans. He takes her to Yellowstone National Park, following a lead on Maggie's mother, who disappeared the year before and is presumed dead. Upon their arrival, Papa reveals that they are broke and he has taken a job as architect at the park. As Maggie tries to start a new life and piece together the mystery of her mother's connection to Yellowstone, she is torn between her conflicting desires. She longs to take her proper place in society, something offered by George Graybull, the rich and powerful but arrogant and shallow older man who is courting her. At the same time, she wants freedom and true love, represented by Tom, the kind but poor son of a geologist. The story follows Maggie's struggle to overcome her own prejudices and society's limitations. The wilderness of Yellowstone, which is lovingly and beautifully depicted, reflects her inner turmoil and yearning for freedom, deemed madness in her bohemian mother. Though the style doesn't always ring true to the period and the plot and characterization sometimes lack subtlety, the gradual revelation of the truth about Maggie's mother, the developing relationship between Maggie and Tom, and the thrilling episodes sprinkled throughout will engage readers.-Erin Carrillo, formerly at Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL
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