Set at the time of the Gulf War, Westall's story explores further conflicts within a British family. Ian Dunn narrates the view of 15-year-old Tom Higgins. Dunn projects the energy of a hearty, rugby-play ing family until Tom's younger brother changes all their lives. Foreshadowing the psychotic experiences that eventually overwhelm the boys, Dunn carefully builds suspense and projects the frightening and riveting power of these episodes. The narration bridges reality and delusion, drawing the listeners into the mix of emotions. Dunn's subtle, yet dynamic, narration brilliantly complements Westall's spellbinding, complex story for young adults. R.F.W. An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award winner. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
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From Booklist
Gr. 6^-10. Andy has an intense imagination, and he feels things deeply. Once, when he saw a newspaper photo of an Ethiopian woman and her starving child, he lapsed into a trance of sorts for a couple of days, taking on the persona of the child until Andy pronounced him dead of starvation. When the Persian Gulf conflict erupts, Andy is so profoundly affected he "becomes" a young Iraqi fighter named Latif, speaks Arabic, endures the battles, and is so disconnected from his former life that he has to be hospitalized and treated by a psychiatrist. Dr. Rashid treats the phenomenon as a mystery of nature that does not fit neatly into schizophrenia or other known diseases. The doctor's compassion and quiet good sense, Andy's parents' suffering and love, and Andy's brother Tom's heartfelt narration of the tale strike to the reader's heart. The late British author Westall has told a stunning story that will appeal both as a family novel and as a war novel.
Anne O'Malley
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
