Pictures in the Dark - Softcover

Mccord, Patricia

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0747575525 ISBN 13: 9780747575528

Publisher: TRAFALGAR SQUARE +, 2005

Synopsis

The Nevilles are the perfect family - Dad runs a floor cleaning business and Mum takes care of the girls, Sarah and Carlie. It might seem that the only tension comes from Carlie sneaking out at night to see Jesse, the boy who lives and works at a nearby petrol station. But something is wrong with this seemingly perfect family and, no matter how careful Sarah and Carlie are, they never know what might set their mother off. They never know if they'll get dinner, or be able to take a bath, or talk to a new friend on the phone. And they are not sure if their hard-working dad even knows what is going on. The only question is how long they can last like this before someone snaps.

About this title

About the Author:

Patricia McCord lives in Tuscon, Arizona in the USA. She is the author of several books for young readers and this is her first book to be published in the UK.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7-10-A compelling novel set in 1950s Seattle. Twelve-year-old Sarah and her older sister, Carlie, know that their lives are different from those of their peers. When at home, unless summoned by their mother, they are supposed to stay in their attic bedroom. Common activities such as eating or using the bathroom are forbidden without her approval. Noise of any kind is frowned upon because that might disturb their mother and one never knows what will happen when she is unhappy. Everything comes to a head when Carlie is caught and beaten for trying on one of her mother's dresses. Running away from home is her solution, but Sarah becomes bold enough to tell their workaholic father the dark secret about their mother. McCord has written a taut, powerful story about family dynamics when one parent is suffering from a mental illness and the other fails to recognize the problem. The bond between the sisters grows and is strengthened through adversity. Though there is no pat resolution, the book has a strong message of hope, love, and forgiveness.
Sharon Morrison, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK
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About this edition

• Publisher: TRAFALGAR SQUARE +
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0747575525
• ISBN 13: 9780747575528
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288