Contrary Imaginations

When their mother can't decide where to dispose of their father's ashes, three children take matters into their own hands

Grade 5-7-- The dilemma facing Alex and his divorced mother, grandmother, brother, and sister is what to do with his recently deceased father's ashes. Alex's mother knows that they must be disposed of in a special place. But until she makes up her mind, the remains remain on the kitchen table. While this may sound like the plot line for a black comedy or high farce, this is (despite the book's short length) a ponderous tale. In the midst of the symbols that toll on every page are many details that don't add up. Alex's father apparently abandoned his family early on, yet this causes no bitterness--he is a figure loved and respected. The novel's title comes from the name of a book Alex is reading: a book that deals with the nature of reality. However, adding a philosophical element such as this to a novel already weighted down by symbols and seriousness only causes confusion. Interspersed among the heavy elements are some moments of humor that do little to lighten the load. When the father is finally laid to rest, it comes as a relief, and many readers will have ceased caring about the meaning of this most portentous death. --Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Alex is more than a little shocked when his family receives a parcel containing the ashes of his father, who left home years ago. While Mom frets over what should be done with her ex-husband's remains, Alex struggles to come to terms with his father's death. The boy also has trouble accepting the fact that Big Al, his mother's boyfriend, may soon become the new head of the family. After becoming engrossed in a rather esoteric novel about the student of a wise Chinese man, the young protagonist draws several conclusions about his own life and the necessity to take action in times of crisis. Although built around an interesting premise, this tragicomedy progresses awkwardly and is cluttered by philosophical meanderings that are only peripherally related to the book's issues. Ultimately readers may be disappointed and confused by the story's sketchy characterizations, vague themes and improbable outcome. Ages 11-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.