Hannah in Between

ISBN 10: 0785778608 ISBN 13: 9780785778608

Publisher: Econo-Clad Books

Synopsis

The growing suspicion that her mother might be an alcoholic, despite her family's denials, threatens twelve-year-old Hannah's safe and predictable world when she decides to face the truth about her mother's condition.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews

A well-regarded author (Lucy Peale, 1992), portrays one family's response to a member's alcoholism. During the year after Hannah, 12, realizes that her mother's drinking has become excessive, she and both parents go through classic phases. Hanna is already reluctant to invite friends home because of Mom's erratic behavior, but finding a cache of empties dramatizes her problem's magnitude; and if Mom's behavior at a wedding where she's the photographer is embarrassing, driving home with her afterwards is terrifying. Hannah believes no one else is aware of Mom's problem. She first denies, then accepts but conceals it, then tries but fails to confide in several appropriate people; finally, she levels with Dad, who's been trying to protect her. Mom's denial persists even after an accident lands her in the hospital; fortunately, photos the distraught Hannah takes when Mom is literally out of her mind with d.t.'s propel her into AA. It's close to a best-case scenario, but not an unlikely one; incidents are deftly chosen, characters realized with insight and skill. For contrast, send readers to Moonlight Man (1986), Fox's incisive portrait of an alcoholic father who spurns any hope of change. (Fiction. 10-14) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From Publishers Weekly

Once again Rodowsky ( Julie's Daughter ) is right on target in her expression of the perspective and concerns of a young adolescent in crisis. Twelve-year-old Hannah's childhood comes to a quick halt when she realizes that her mother's drinking is getting out of control. Since no one else in the family is willing to admit there is a problem, Hannah carries the terrible secret alone, doing her best to rid the house of empty vodka bottles and hide her mother's erratic behavior from friends. When her mother's drunk driving leads to a serious automobile accident, Hannah's father is finally forced to admit his wife is an alcoholic, but he cannot produce a solution or promise a brighter future. This heartrending novel offers a frank, sensitive depictions of alcoholism and its effects. Far from seeming a monster, Hannah's mother emerges as a caring woman suffering many disappointments. Her painful struggle to regain sobriety proves to be as moving as her daughter's attempts to create order out of chaos. Through the author's keenly perceptive, down-to-earth narrative, readers will sense the strong bond of love that connects the members of Hannah's family and ultimately helps deep wounds to heal. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Econo-Clad Books
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0785778608
• ISBN 13: 9780785778608
• Binding: Library Binding