There were many incidents in the story, while not graphically portrayed, that were still disturbing to me...nearly all were either sexual or violent or just plain sad. The novel does not paint a very pretty picture of love and marriage and family. Ultimately, after enduring many difficult experiences and being torn by conflicting allegiances, the heroine chooses, what in my mind is the best path for herself.
I loved the word duels Mattie plays with her friend. It was heart-breaking to watch this wonderful young woman lose her innocence and begin to understand adult problems and weaknesses in those around her. Coming of age in this novel was not a pleasant experience. Mattie is a reader, but wonders why all her favorite female authors are not married (Jane Austen, Emily Dickenson, etc.). She feels like writing (her talent and passion) and love and marriage must not be able to co-exist. Her father is grief-stricken with the death of her mother and many of the other men she is acquainted with are less than honest in their emotions and dealings.
In spite of, or maybe because of her life experiences this fateful summer, Mattie makes several courageous decisions that will change the course of her life forever, as well as the lives of both her friends and family, and people unknown to her personally--hopefully for the better.
I would love to know how her life and the life of her friend Weaver turned out.
This book is for ages 14 and up and is considered young adult fiction.