From Publishers Weekly
The heroine first seen in A Room Made of Windows comes of age in this fifth book about her life. Julia, now 15, comes to terms with her father's death by writing about him, which in turn contributes further to the healing process. She wins the lead in her high school production of Romeo and Juliet, and experiences the exhilaration of dramatic performance. Julia even falls in love for the first time and, most importantly, matures in her understanding of those around her: her mother, the stepfather she has never accepted and her beloved yet fallible Uncle Hugh. Julia is an exceptionally sensitive, reflective character, and this novel embodies the culmination and fulfillment of those qualities. Julia's first love relationship is somewhat sketchily and idealistically renderednot entirely believable. But this is a finely realized exploration of the turbulence and headiness of adolescence and of the challenges and rewards of creative expression. Ages 11-up.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9 Julia Redfern makes her fifth appearance in this sequel to her introduction in A Room Made of Windows (Little, 1971). On the verge of 15 as the story opens, Julia is secure in her accomplishments as a writer and is also exploring her talents as an actress. Now a mature, observant, multi-faceted character, she finds that her perceptions and relationships grow more complex as she does. Julia comes to terms with her father's death, her stepfather, the frailties of her beloved Uncle Hugh, her first love, and the death of her friend Rhiannon in this novel of growth and understanding set in post-World War I Berkeley, California. Cameron effectively creates the atmosphere of a time long past, yet evokes a genuine immediacy in Julia's emotions and an authenticity in her voice that contemporary readers will recognize. Events parallel experiences today's readers facerivalry, infatuation, failure, and success, and they unfold in a believable manner that builds to an unrealistically swift crescendo of climax, out of step with the thoughtful pace of the earlier chapters. Characterization is smooth and vivid in even the most minor players, although the behavior of Rhiannon's unpleasant sister Lydia seems somewhat outrageous, particularly when directed at a child. Despite these quibbles, fans of Julia, and newcomers as well, will welcome this addition. Although the book stands well on its own, readers' enjoyment will be enhanced with the experience of the previous titles. Starr LaTronica, North Berkeley Library, Calif.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
