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Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
Anyone unfamiliar with the Tillerman familywritten about in Homecoming, Dicey's Song, the recent Come a Stranger and other titlescan begin with this one, a probing story about a quiet boy who ennobles himself simply by being himself and his seemingly straightforward brother, who both takes and inspires action. James Tillerman is 15 now, and Sammy, 12, although the older boy is small for his age and the younger brother large for his. "Things were so simple for Sammy, clear and simple," Voigt writes, but James's refrain is more complicated, for he begins so many sentences with "Do you ever wonder . . . ?" He wants to find their father and understand why the man never claimed them, never wanted to see who they were. What he and Sammy discover, in a dank bar where merchant sailors hang out, is that their father cheats almost everyone he meets: their mother of marriage, fellow sailors of money, his children of company, love, supportand (but only if they let him) even of dignity. A complex story of the ways in which people piece themselves togetherwith or in spite of their backgroundsVoigt's book rings with truth and compassion. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-8 In this continuation of the Tillerman saga, the focus is on brothers James and Sammy. Always the questioner, James is determined to find the father he never knew. His main objective is to see if his own character traits, especially his intelligence, which sets him apart, are inherited from this shadowy figure from the past. Reluctantly, Sammy joins in on the search, which is made more difficult because they do not confide in Gram, nor older sister Dicey, who is away at college. Readers are drawn into the hunt, hoping that the merchant seaman father is found, yet fearing what kind of man he will turn out to be. (Those familiar with Voigt's Runner Atheneum, 1985 already have an idea.) Voigt is wise to make the search inconclusive; it ends at a waterfront bar in a fight with ex-associates of their father. Yet the story itself comes to a conclusion, for James has found himself and has at least become more comfortable with his unique qualities. The theme of fatherhood is woven throughout the narrative, including Greek myths and the fathers of friends. And while the search is the main element in this story, Voigt allows her characters to pursue other interests along the way. Readers who are not familiar with the earlier Tillerman novels, such as Homecoming (1981) and Dicey's Song (1982, both Atheneum), will have no problem finding their place in this story, as Voigt fills in enough of the background to cover any questions. However, they will no doubt be motivated to go back to the earlier episodes to become further acquainted with these characters who have remained marvelously consistent under Voigt's hand. Just as James' search drives him to the conclusion, so will readers be compelled to stay with his story from start to finish. Susan Schuller, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
JAMES TILLERMAN watched his brother, Sammy, who was bailing two inches of rainwater from their boat. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
JAMES TILLERMAN watched his brother, Sammy, who was bailing two inches of rainwater from their boat. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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