For the Life of Laetitia - Hardcover

Hodge, Merle

3.81

227 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374324476 ISBN 13: 9780374324476

Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1993

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Twelve-year-old Laetita Johnson is the first member of her family to attend secondary school, but her new life requires that she leave her old life in the village behind to live with her father in the city.

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From School Library Journal:

Grade 6-8-- Set in an unnamed Caribbean country, this novel introduces Laetitia, who has won a place in the government secondary school. In order to attend, however, she must leave her close-knit rural village, where she lives with her grandparents and relatives, and move to her father's home in La Puerta. Although her father has money and values her achievements, he is domineering and abusive toward his new wife and son. As the term goes on, he refuses to let Lacey visit her family on weekends. All is not rosy in school either, for several teachers are incompetent and look down on the students. Lacey befriends a shy girl of Asian Indian heritage, but Anjanee's difficult life drives her to depression and suicide. Lacey, too, breaks down from the pressure, but caring relatives work out a solution that, while not ideal, will allow her to stay in school. Hodge has written a thoughtful, evenhanded novel that will prod readers to examine their own values. Unfortunately, its appeal is limited by a slow start and a first-person voice that is often too adult. The author shows the diversity of the West Indies through food, holidays, expressions, place names, and some of the area's racial and social complexities. However, there is not enough information to give readers unfamiliar with the culture a full picture, and there is no glossary. The story may attract readers of a West Indian heritage, but without additional explanation, few others will be drawn to it. --Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Siena College Library, Loudonville, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Readers may be reminded of Mildred Taylor's Cassie Logan on meeting bright, strong-willed Laetitia, who struggles against poverty and prejudice while seeking an education in an urban secondary school miles away from her Caribbean village. Because Ma cannot afford the cost of a long commute, Laetitia must live in the city with her father, a boastful, self-serving man who is quick to lose his temper with his ornery son and meek second wife. Besides being miserable at her new home, Laetitia experiences difficulties at school. Although she excels in every subject, she becomes discouraged by the cynicism of some of her teachers and classmates. The girl is especially saddened by the hopelessness felt by best friend Anjanee, a failing student who is afraid of ending up like her overworked, unappreciated mother. Hodge paints a rather dismal picture of women's conditions in the Caribbean, placing particular emphasis on education as the key to their emancipation. In narrative rich with local color, she contrasts city and rural life and relates problems common to both settings. Her cast of multidimensional characters expresses a range of attitudes about education, equality and traditional values. Readers will easily empathize with this heroine and the numerous obstacles on her road to independence. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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