William Lavender Reviews

Added September 4, 2006

Aftershocks

Author: William Lavender
Publisher: Harcourt Publishers
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: April 2006
Genre: Young Adult: Historical/Fiction
Format: Hardcover
Price: $17.00
ISBN: 0-15-205882-6
Author Email/Website:
Reviewer: Joyce Hanzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Aftershocks trembles with emotional appeal, while firmly resting on history. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake provides the backdrop for this story, which creatively explores the racial and discrimination issues that dominated that time period. Written with sensitivity and a sense of realism, these pages offer young readers a memorable glimpse into the past.

Jessie Wainwright wanted to become a doctor like her father, but women were not encouraged to go to medical school. Although she never abandoned her dream, she was sidetracked by a disturbing problem in her own home. Quite by accident, she uncovered a shocking revelation about her father, which caused an upheaval in her mind and heart. When the earthquake rocked the area, Jessie was thrown into action, never realizing that the course she chose would lead her in new and unfamiliar paths.

Creatively combining the mindset of this generation with appropriate dialogue, the author steered this novel through the aftereffects of the earthquake, the plight of Chinese immigrants and the restrictions placed upon women. All of these subjects were tied together nicely, and were dealt with in a concise and compelling manner. As the characters encountered each issue, readers were shown the characters' frustration and fear. This emotionally charged outlook brings this time period to life in a very meaningful way.

Meticulous research and a strong plot keep these pages turning. The author is to be commended for writing a story rich in historical details, and layered with the intellectual and emotional origins of women's rights and racial equality. Young readers will gain valuable insights about these issues and will have a renewed appreciation for those people who dared to rock the world and whose Aftershocks we are still benefiting from today

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