Linger - Hardcover

Kerr, M. E.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060228792 ISBN 13: 9780060228798

Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books, 1993

Synopsis

The return of a soldier from the Gulf War threatens the mystique of Linger, a restaurant that has been a a mainstay in the town of Berryville, Pennsylvania, for more than thirty years

About this title

About the Author

M. E. KERR is the acclaimed author of many classic teen novels, including Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!, The Books of Fell, Slap Your Sides, and What Became of Her. She lives in East Hampton, New York.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-- Linger is an upscale restaurant owned and run by the nearly signorial Ned Dunlinger. The entire Peel family is in his employ and, as a result, spend much of their time scrutinizing and dissecting his actions. He pampers his wife, intensely grooms his daughter for a move into the upper class, and smoothly plots to make his establishment the genteel focal point of the community. After a bitter quarrel with Dunlinger, Bobby Peel joins the army and finds himself in the middle of the Gulf War. Younger brother Gary, 16, has to wonder at Bobby's moxie in starting a correspondence with the beautiful Lynn Dunlinger, who wouldn't notice him under normal circumstances. Gary discovers that Lynn is secretly involved with Jules Raleigh, a teacher, part-time piano player at Linger, and flagrant war protester. He unwilling finds himself drawn into the drama of a father who spies, a daughter who deceives, a teacher who fails to measure up, and a brother who returns to a mini-emotional and social Armageddon. The Gulf War is painted as horrific, using vivid juxtapositions; the subtle, but also deadly, civilian war centers on racial prejudice. Bobby's journal entries and letters are woven so smoothly with Gary's observations that readers will really enjoy the dramatic tension that is produced. This novel has one heck of a good plot, terrific pacing, and searingly realistic characters. It's Kerr as readers expect her to be--tough, ironic, and, yet highly entertaining. She makes it clear that in a world of hypocrisy, prejudice, and brutality, personal integrity can be a proper armor, even if it slips a bit. --Cindy Darling Codell, Clark Middle School, Winchester, KY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0060228792
• ISBN 13: 9780060228798
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 213