In the idyllically rural American Midwest, between the wars, young David is farmed out to relatives when his mother is hospitalized with a life-threatening illness. A shy and painfully sensitive only child, David slowly blossoms among the lonely, loving adults of the county home, where his Aunt Maude is head cook.

From School Library Journal

YA-- Most people would think David, almost nine, lives with a strange group of people. His mother is seriously ill so he resides with his Aunt Maude, who is the live-in cook at the County Home. David's companions include passionate, primitive Adeline, who does fertility dances in the nude; seven-foot, opera-loving Roy; and Aunt Latzy, who hasn't been out of bed for years and who keeps a pet white rat on her bed, thereby alienating her roommate. But David is particularly drawn to Rose, who more than 20 years ago killed her husband and has been living in a barred (but not locked) room ever since. When Rose dies from pneumonia after having lost the will to live, David knows that the world holds tragedy as well as joy. This is a nostalgic book, filled with warmth and hilarity. David is besieged by a bully at school until he brings Adeline to cast some voodoo on the culprit (she doesn't believe in it, but the bully does so it works). Like a wildflower, this book could be easily overlooked, but it is worth picking for its beautifully crafted look at a world long gone. --Diana C. Hirsch, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, MD
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Thrift Books Global LLC
18300 Cascade Ave S, Ste 150, Seattle, WA, 98188, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks website. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. Please use the "Ask bookseller a question" link to contact our dedicated Customer Service team and we will be happy to assist you.

Shipping Terms

All domestic Standard US shipments are distributed from our warehouses by OSM, then handed off to the USPS for final delivery.

2-Day Shipping is delivered by FedEx, which does not deliver to PO boxes.

International shipments are tendered to the local postal service in the destination country for final delivery – We do not use courier services for international deliveries.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 8 business days	4 to 8 business days
First item	US$ 0.00	US$ 0.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.