Wednesday, February 3, 2021

DEAR EDWARD by Ann Napolitano

The Adler family is moving from New York to Los Angeles, but their plane crashes en route.  After the initial jolt that this book delivers, it bogs down a bit.  Twelve-year-old Eddie is the only survivor of the crash, and he goes to live with his mother’s sister and her husband in New Jersey.   His aunt gives his name as Edward for media coverage purposes, and it sticks:  Eddie is the pre-crash boy who basically no longer exists now that his life has been completely torn apart.  This novel alternates between two storylines—the hours of the plane trip itself and the years of Edward’s recovery, both physically and emotionally.  The people in Edward’s post-crash life are almost all compassionate and helpful people, including his therapist and school principal, who have his best interests at heart.  This aspect of the novel seemed almost too saccharine, but it was at times a welcome antidote to the horror of the crash.  I found the cause of the crash terrifying, and I hope that I will have forgotten about this book before I have to fly again.  The chapters that take place during the flight introduce us to a handful of passengers, including Edward’s family, who had way too much living left to do.  Edward’s biggest loss by far is the death of his fifteen-year-old brother, who has left behind a secret girlfriend.  Edward struggles toward normalcy and grapples with how to lead a life that will honor those who died.  The subject matter here dictates that the book be almost unbearably sad, and it is.

No comments: