The Other Side of the Fence (Freeway) - Softcover

Ure, Jean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0552524662 ISBN 13: 9780552524667

Publisher: Random House Children's Books (A Division of Rando, 1988

Synopsis

A sad, funny tale of innocents abroad in a modern world. Richard is a shy history undergraduate from a wealthy home; Bonny, a perky fantasist or inveterate liar, streetwise survivor of a dozen homes. With their normal props kicked from under them, an unexpected friendship develops.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 8-10 Class lines, sexual prefer ences, and economic differences are torn asunder when Bonny hitches a ride from Richard. Bonny, dumped by her reactionary Marxist boyfriend Jake, and Richard, kicked out of his house by his father, shack up together in an aban doned house. Both get jobs, and they spend four weeks together discussing Forever Amber , the state of the econo my, their finances in particular, and avoiding topics like Richard's father and Bonny's boyfriend. An acquaint ance drops hints that Jake has returned from his musical jaunt to Ireland and Bonny runs back to him immediately, relinquishing all of her cash and self- respect. Jake's sarcasm and belittling force Bonny to take stock of her life , and she returns to Richard who's back at college and finally able to accept his homosexuality. The plot reads like a soap opera. Jake is truly annoying that Bonny puts up with him stretches credibility. Bonny is worldy-wise, steals like a pro, yet cannot recognize that Jake is a con man or realize that Richard is a homosexual. Teens may harbor secret fantasies about living in garrets and flaunting parental authori ty, but even they may find Richard's and Bonny's naivete too much to stom ach. Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House Children's Books (A Division of Rando
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0552524662
• ISBN 13: 9780552524667
• Binding: Paperback