STORY OF A GIRL

In Sara Zarr’s reading of her debut novel, the strongest voice is that of narrator Deanna Lambert, whose father discovered her having sex at age 13 with 17-year-old Tommy. The story has washed over their small town (Pacifica—called “Pathetica” by Deanna) in versions Deanna painfully recalls and relives as she encounters abusive classmates, potential employers, and family members—especially her father, who will not look at her or speak to her. Zarr doesn’t attempt voices for the other characters—including Deanna's brother, Darren, who married suddenly and is living in the cellar with his wife and infant daughter. As grim as teen life can be, small positive steps move the novel credibly from angst to optimism. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]