The summer that changed everything by Ann Brashares
Corgi Books, 2009.
(Age: 11+) Set in America, this is the story of three girls and an
eventful summer that sees their close friendship weakened in the face
of changing circumstances. This is a real mixed bag. Ann Brashares
concentrates on the anxieties and preoccupations facing teenage girls,
but the trio of plots are variable in quality. Polly's story is the
most successful and Brashares explores the fear of growing up and the
need to cling to old habits and to retain control, in Polly's case by
verging on anorexia. Jo's and Ama's stories are less striking. Jo is
the typical all American girl, fixated on hair, clothes and boys, and
her rather flat and predictable storyline reflects this. However, it is
Ama's story that really rankles: here is a straight 'A' student who
has never failed anything, but now fears she will fail her dreaded
outdoor adventure camp. Deprived of her favourite hair products, she is
trekking through the wilds of Wyoming, carrying a forty pound pack and
enduring blistered and bleeding feet, with no apparent medical
intervention. This is unlikely enough, but to cap it all the rest of
the team pack up camp one morning and leave without even noticing Ama's
absence, a totally unbelievable storyline which would simply never
happen. Of course it is vital to the plot and Brashares makes it work
on one level, but suspension of disbelief is essential if you're
planning to read this!
There are very few 'issues' that Brashares doesn't touch on and I can't
help thinking that she wrote with a tick list beside her. Dealing with
grief? Check. Unrequited love? Check. Facing up to your fears? Check.
An alcoholic mother? Check. The dangers of dieting? Check. However, in
spite of the uneven writing and shaky storylines, the construction of
the book does work. Each character takes turns to tell their story and
this brings a sense of immediacy and helps the reader to sympathise
with the girls. Brashares also pulls things together in a stirring
finish as all three girls face a crisis that makes them realise the
importance of their friendship. It's not going to win any prizes,
but this is a safe read for teenage girls who appreciate a bit of angst
and a happy ending.
Claire Larson