This book was just adorable from beginning to end. It is set in Post World War 2 America, in the steamy state of Florida when the general thought was "the war is over, lets get down to making some money": the American Dream at it's worst.
Evie is 15 and her mother, who is drop dead gorgeous and knows it, gave birth to her when she was 17. Evie's stepfather, Joe, is a returned soldier and a bit of a jack-the-lad, who has earned money in a dubious way, but is on the lookout for other money making ventures. The three of them take off from New York for a holiday in Florida and what happens there, changes all their lives for ever.
Evie is the star of the book, a 15 year old who wants to wear lipstick, have cleavage and shake off the shackles of an over-protective mother who doesn't want Evie to make the same mistakes she did. Along comes Peter Coleridge, a handsome 23 year old with an agenda of his own and Evie is smitten and aroused. What happens next is thrilling.
Aimed at the young adult level, and skillfully written, this is a must read. It was a National Book Award winner in the USA.
Reviewed by Bob
Published by Scholastic New York (2008)
Read an Interview with Judy Blundell from the Booktrust
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