The Freak (review)
2008; Johns Hopkins University Press; Volume: 64; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1353/bcc.2008.0223
ISSN1558-6766
Autores Tópico(s)Contemporary Literature and Criticism
ResumoReviewed by: The Last Exit to Normal April Spisak Harmon, Michael The Last Exit to Normal. Knopf, 2008 [288p] Library ed. ISBN 978-0-375-94098-9$18.99 Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-375-84098-2$15.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 8-10 In these first two volumes of an anticipated trilogy (though initially published in 1997 in Canada, The Freak is, like its brand-new sequel, new to the U.S.), Jade, fifteen, cautiously explores her newly acquired psychic powers. In The Freak, Jade is slowly healing from a severe illness when she discovers that the auras, visions, and prophetic dreams she assumed were temporary anomalies of her recovery are permanent. While trying to adjust to her newly precognitive existence, she receives visions of a potential disaster that will occur if she cannot harness her powers in time to sort out the clues and prevent a racially charged hate crime. In Visions, Jade and her powers have now acquired some credibility with her family, her new boyfriend, and local law enforcement, all of whose support she will need as she attempts to solve a string of serial murders. Unprepared but earnest and clever, Jade is an appealing protagonist to whom fans of Medium or Ghost Whisperer will easily relate. Unfortunately, although Matas speeds the action with the dramatic tension of a planted bomb in the first plot, there is far too much focus on philosophical debates about free will and spirituality for such a trim novel. The second volume picks up considerably, with little exposition and plenty of momentum as Jade now understands that her powers are better put to action than left languishing as she debates her purpose. The focal point of both novels is Jade's psychic abilities, and this straightforward plotting, paired with the short length and small cast of characters, make both of these offerings likely possibilities for reluctant readers. Copyright © 2008 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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