Fourteen-year-old Symone's only friend is an imaginary incarnation of Captain Laurence "Titus" Oates, an explorer who accompanied Robert Scott on his failed expedition to the South Pole. Sym is passionate about the Antarctic and her infatuation is fed by Uncle Victor, an eccentric family friend who has cared for Sym and her mother since Sym's father's death. When Victor surprises Sym with a trip to "the Ice," she has some doubts, especially when she discovers that her mother can't come. But her excitement overshadows her initial misgivings--until realizes that Uncle Victor has an obsession of his own that runs deeper than the glaciers and threatens her life. It's not always clear whether Titus' voice is imagined or if it's meant to be shy, bookish Sym's only link to the outside world, but McCaughrean's lyrical language actively engages the senses, plunging readers into a captivating landscape that challenges the boundaries of reality.
I wanted to like this book--at times it was fascinating--but for long periods of time it was just strange. It had the feeling of being set in an earlier time; yet, there are satellite phones and other modern conveniences. Sym is just so naive; I couldn't like her. Uncle Victor's obcession was so complete! So, OK, it's a Printz award winner--I bet when the book is discarded in 5 years it won't have been read 4 times.
Rating: 7 out of 10
No comments:
Post a Comment