Speaking to Miranda - Hardcover

MACDONALD, Caroline

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0340543876 ISBN 13: 9780340543870

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, 1991

Synopsis

A novel by the author of "The Lake at the End of the World", runner-up for the Guardian Children's Fiction Award in 1990. Ruby's quest to unravel the mystery surrounding her mother's death tests her relationship with her stepfather and her friends. Her grandmother is her greatest ally.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7-10-- At 18, Ruby is no longer satisfied with the fleeting image that her adopted father, Rob, has given her of her long-deceased mother, Emma. She investigates Emma's mysterious past and discovers her real father's identity. Along the way she finds her own direction. This book suffers from abrupt shifts in focus. In the beginning, it is a typical story of an isolated teenager looking for love and a positive self-image. Her closest advisor has been Miranda, an inner voice/imaginary friend who has guided her for years, but who now cannot be trusted. Then the question of ``Who was Emma?'' takes center stage. Rob is suddenly left behind. Ruby essentially re-creates herself as Emma, cutting herself off from one life to discover a new one. The Australian and New Zealand settings are vividly described, but present some problems. Many slang phrases are unclear in context. Another troubling aspect involves the close relationship between Rob and Ruby. Ruby is accused of not wanting Rob to get married because she wants him for herself. Although nothing is explicit, they do end up together, with Rob breaking his engagement and preparing to become part of Ruby's new life. However, the search for self, the central theme, is well developed and intriguingly realized. Not a first choice, but a book that has a place in larger collections. --Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, County of Henrico Public Library, Richmond, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Australian Ruby Summerton has been constantly haunted by the death of her mother, 17 years earlier, and by Miranda, a voice in her head that is somehow connected to her past. With high school behind her and the only prospect before her to accompany her stepfather, Rob, on construction site visits, Ruby faces an uncertain future. Frustrated by Rob's steadfast refusal to discuss her mother, Ruby begins a quest for the truth that leads her to New Zealand, where past and present finally meet. This intriguing novel moves along slowly as Ruby puzzles through the bits and pieces of her unorthodox upbringing. Although clues about her past are somewhat conveniently presented, this does not detract from Macdonald's narrative--a solidly crafted story that is more intent upon exploring the nature of secrets than on solving a mystery. Ruby is a prickly character and, while readers will be gratified that she finds some answers, the resolution does not end the strangeness of a life lived in half-truths. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0340543876
• ISBN 13: 9780340543870
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1