The TEMPTATION OF KATE - Hardcover

Peter Silsbee

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0027827615 ISBN 13: 9780027827613

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 1990

Synopsis

A demon fights for the soul of a young girl troubled by her parents' divorce and by a recent move from New York City to the country.

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Reviews

Because of her parents' separation and her mother's new job, 12-year-old Kate is forced to move from her beloved New York City to a small rural community. Devastated by these events, she becomes a prime target for Demon Jaster, field operative from Hell, who is seeking souls for Lucifer. Playing on all of her weaknesses in her time of troubles, Jaster, disguised as an attractive college professor, attempts to lure her into committing suicide. Kate eventually realizes that Jaster is not her friend, chooses life over death, and begins to communicate honestly and openly with both of her parents. This improbable story is reminiscent of C. S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters . On the level of a story for young teens, however, the concept simply does not work. Kate's feelings about her parents' breakup, her unhappiness over moving, and her anger are all natural and understandable emotions. Here they are made to appear as sins that, if not curbed, can likely lead to suicide. Complicating Kate's misery and confusion is a visit from local religious fanatics who urge her to be born again. There is a lot of fairly heavy theology being dished out, and young readers, who will find Kate a realistic and sympathetic character, are going to find the philosophical nuances tough going. All of this is unfortunate, for the story itself is well written and readable. An understanding of it, though, will take much more maturity than its intended audience is likely to bring to it. --Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

After her parents' divorce, Kate moves with her mother from Brooklyn to a small town. She encounters a devil in disguise who plans to gain honor in the demonic community by transforming Kate's despair into suicide. When this nasty scheme backfires, Kate is left with a renewed appreciation of life. Unfortunately, Kate's positive outlook doesn't surface till the book's end, resulting in a depressing read for sensitive teens. In addition, Kate's parents are unrealistically self-centered; they barely notice that their daughter is on the brink of self-destruction. Although the author has started out with a fascinating idea and gone at it with the best intentions, the result reads more like a plot line than a novel. The writing is brisk and pleasant to read, but Silsbee's breezy treatment trivializes the importance of the subject. Ages 11-14.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0027827615
• ISBN 13: 9780027827613
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 155