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Book Review of The Cape Ann

The Cape Ann
The Cape Ann
Author: Faith Sullivan
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 83 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3


From School Library Journal
YA The Cape Ann is the name on the plans of the house that Lark Ann Ehrhart and her mother plan to build some day. It is the place to which six-year-old Lark escapes in daydreams when her parents begin to argue, the home that her mother dreams offar from the rooms in the train depot where they live and Lark's father works. Ultimately it symbolizes escape from Harvester, Minn., and independence from the husband and father whose gambling repeatedly sabotages their dream. Lark narrates the adult events of Harvester's Catholic culture without always understanding them. Her point of view adds depth to the story, though occasionally it is more adult than a six year old's would be. Characters are fully colored; historical references firmly set the story in the Depression and beyond. Lark's perceptions, her changes and those of the characters around her will relate to those YAs, who will enjoy Sullivan's flowing and well-crafted story. Sally Bates, Houston Pub . Lib .
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.I WISH THERE WERE MORE THAN 5 STARS TO AWARD THIS BOOK!, February 28, 2001
Reviewer: Gayla Collins (Sheridan, WYOMING USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Being a voracious reader of fiction for the past 40 years, I do not know how I missed this masterpiece of literature till now. The adage "better late than never" applies perfectly here.

The story of six year old Lark, viewing life in Minnesota during the depression, is so compelling you will experience every gamit of emotion possible. What's more, you will yield willingly to every feeling, being instantly captured by the the myriad of perceptions lurking in Lark's furtile imagination. As you read a smile will settle on your face so long it will ache; then tears will flood unabashedly; your anger will flare at the indiginites; and then a smile will return. I could rave on, but I want to sum it up with this paragraph:

If you could only read one book this whole year, this would be the one to choose. Everything that is compelling and stirring about storytelling is weaved brillantly in this tapestry of life. You will laud your choice to everyone you know, as this must be read by all that appreciate the nuances of excellent writing.