From: MLHal at aol.com <MLHal>
Date: Wed, 15 Oct 1997 22:22:15 -0400 (EDT)

Greetings,

I just finished reading Lily's Crossing yesterday. When I think about the title, the first thing that comes to my mind was Lily's "crossing" from childhood to adulthood, as Robin has stated so beautifully. I think it is the summer of 1944 where Lily really begins to make the transition from childhood to adulthood.

In reference to earlier postings, I think Giff's attention to everyday detail is magnificent. She never looses track of the time and place of her story. I enjoyed the character of Lily very much. I found myself wondering what sort of pickle she would get herself into next. At the same time, Lily realistically matured throughout the pages. For some reason I pictured her taller, more adult-like on the last page than on the first page although there was no reference to her height. I also enjoyed the character of Gram, maybe because she too was believable.

I agree that Poppy finding Ruth in France is a little too convenient. In fact, I thought the ending was all rather rushed. (Maybe I just did not want the story to end.) Did anyone else feel that way?

To me it was strange that Poppy would return to the States before the war actually ended. If he was sent to Europe to help rebuild it, wouldn't he stay longer in Europe? I expected him to be oversees at least until Germany surrendered and probably longer. Did anyone else have thoughts about that?


Margaret Hall Youth Services Librarian Oak Lawn Public Library Oak Lawn, IL mhall at lib.oak-lawn.il.us
Received on Wed 15 Oct 1997 09:22:15 PM CDT