Whenever I read a book and I cannot relate to even one character in it, I find myself reading it in a detached manner. I did feel sad for Evie, beginning, middle and end however. I can't imagine ever thinking like Evie, or making the decisions she did, much less any of the other girls. They just seemed so lost. I know the 60's were a unique time in our history, but I guess I have lived a sheltered life. I am okay with that!
This is a well-written book. The author explains Evie's life, feelings and thoughts in such a way that each decision she makes along the way makes sense. Evie stays true to herself. Her parent's divorce, her dad's affair, her mom's questionable taste in men, the loss of her best friend (although her own actions didn't help that situation), being sent off to boarding school - those were the things that made up her life at the time. She was an isolated, lonely girl of 14. I can see how someone like Suzanne (at the ripe old age of 19!) would seem compelling to Evie. After meeting Suzanne however, Evie definitely turned her blinders on! Yikes. The author does an amazing job of describing the filth and smell of the ranch. You can feel the love that everyone had for Russell. I am sure the constant intake of drugs didn't hurt their ability to look past the daily details of their lives either.
I really don't know the reason that Suzanne kicked Evie out of the car that night on the way to Mitch's house. She didn't strike me as someone who thought of anyone but herself (and Russell). Was she trying to save Evie - or was Evie just annoying her? At the time it just seemed like Evie was annoying her, being too clingy and "in love" with her. Despite being "saved" from that horrendous night, Evie never seemed to save herself. That's why the entire book comes across as a sad tale to me. Evie could have made something of herself, of her life. Her parents had money; she made friends at her boarding school. She could have counted her blessings - despite her misgivings about what she would have done that night - and moved on be become a productive member of society. She ends up like she started however, being isolated and lonely with no meaningful relationship in her life.
Wendy's Rating: ****
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