By Frank Lauria
1984 Pocket Books
Paperback, 284 pages
Online reviews of this one are
mostly harsh, but I tore through it quickly, enjoying it as I read. The thing
is, as I sit here to review it two hours after finishing it, I’m having trouble
remembering it. I guess it is a bit “meh” when all is said and done but I liked
it while reading it, and that’s really the point of reading, is it not?
Jeff and Ruth Austin have a
crumbling marriage. They lost their four-year-old daughter and had a
miscarriage years ago and are unable to conceive again. He is a rich jingle
producer and former rock star, and she is a teacher. Money is no problem, so
they agree to adopt a child. They meet 12 year old Dani, a smart, talented,
beautiful and polite child. Mature beyond her years. They foster her and a
trial run is set up and everything is great. The Austin's marriage is repaired,
even in the bedroom. Too bad they didn’t read the 36 page prologue.
Dani, great though she is, is
the offspring of a prostitute and was raised by nuns. She excelled in school
and was the apple of Sister Rose’s eye. The good Sister gave Dani a camera and
the youngster became very adept with it. Sister Rose also caught her taking
dirty pictures of her girlfriend. This made Sister Rose very confused, and she
wound up killing herself. But the Austins don’t know all that. They do have to
deal with Dani’s emerging womanhood, though, and things can get fiery if
they’re not careful. Literally.
Jeff builds a studio on his
property and is coerced into recording a new album for fading rock star Eric
Jordan. Not only does Dani impress everyone with her soul-capturing photos but
she is a capable studio engineer and songwriter. Needless to say, all of the
attention to Dani messes with her mind and things blow up and she has to drown
her sorrows. Lauria has sexualized the child to such an extent that everyone
seems to hit on her in one way or another. That shit is creepy, no matter how
mature she is written.
Another thing is how two adults in
the story are absolutely aghast that Dani would have lesbian tendencies.
Maybe it was crazy and wild in 1984 but in today’s world, I doubt there are
many teens who wouldn’t try a few things on for size. I kind of rolled
my eyes as her new Mom was in tears over her adopted daughter’s preferences.
Grow up, Ruth, and take your medicine!
With Carrie and Firestarter
rips and look for a Charles Manson reference. And lots of nipples. So, yes. The
book is good, an easy read and has a great cover (by whom, I do not know)
despite the pseudo-Telecaster’s bizarre set-up. I doubt I will ever read it
again, though.
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