Goldengrove

by: Francine Prose

Published by: HarperCollins

Reviewed by Elizabeth Bright

Goldengrove is narrated by thirteen-year-old Nico and takes place over the long, sad summer following the accidental drowning of her sister Margaret. Nico and Margaret were boating when she drowned. Nico’s guilt is palpable throughout the book. And while her parents flounder in their own grief, Nico silently feels responsible for the death, and she wallows in the grief of a vulnerable child going it alone. As Nico deals with her grief, she slowly falls into a relationship with Margaret’s boyfriend that is both exciting and dangerous.

Francine Prose is a wonderful writer. Her imagery is compelling and that imagery helps weave the story through the characters response to Margaret’s death. The subject matter (a young girl and older boy) is touchy territory, but the author handles it very well.

I think some could say that Goldengrove is a Young Adult novel, although I’m not sure that was the author’s intention. But Nico’s voice is one that may appeal more to the YA audience. The problem with a YA audience is it might be a bit slow for that age group. I believe an older audience might have more patience for a story that sometimes meanders before building to the conclusion. But an older audience might also have less patience for the lack of complexity of a complex situation.

I’m concerned that this novel doesn’t know what it is and that means it might miss the mark with readers.

Armchair Interviews says: Beautiful writing.