From: Susan Lempke <71460.1037>
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 10:11:21 -0500

I very much liked all of the Newbery choices with the exception of Wringer (although I will confess that when I first realized I had been
"stuck" with reviewing a book written entirely in poetry I banged my head on the table before continuing and falling in love with it!). I did think Lily's Crossing's was somewhat spoiled by the absurdly happy ending, as we discussed before, but that it overall was a terrific depiction of time, place and character. Ella is a pure delight, and practically booktalks itself.

The main problem I have with Wringer is that it's set so solidly in a time and place, with elements that are wholly implausible. One reviewer whose opinion I highly respect felt that it was a fable, so the implausible elements should be appreciated as such. I just couldn't swallow it, which is funny because normally I like magical realism and she despises it. What do you think? Is it meant to be read as a fable?

  --Susan Dove Lempke
    (Booklist reviewer)
Received on Tue 10 Feb 1998 09:11:21 AM CST