Jennifer Donnelly's
Revolution (Delacorte 2010) is a rarity - historical fiction created for older readers. It is a sophisticated mix: part wrenching realistic fiction and part historical fiction - with a little supernatural twist. Andi's younger brother has been murdered. Her mother has lost her grip on reality. She is in trouble at school because she hasn't started her senior thesis. Suicide is constantly on her mind. Music is the only thing that is holding her together (Andi plays guitar). Her distant, work-obsessed father who has remarried and moved on, is going to Paris and decides to take Andi with him. Once in Paris, Andi begins research for her thesis on an innovative 18th century musician. She also finds a diary written by a girl who lived during the French Revolution and risked all to help the pitifully imprisoned Louis Charles, the son of Marie Antoinette & Louis XVI. The more of the diary that Andi reads, the more she is absorbed in the story. While in a party at "The Beach" in the Catacombs under Paris, time shifts and Andi finds herself stranded in dangerous and chaotic Revolutionary Paris.
This book has many elements that will appeal to teens, particularly girls (grade 8-12). Music is a huge theme in the book as it is in many successful realistic novels (
Perks of a Wallflower,
Nick & Norah's Playlist,
Fat Kid Rules the World, and this year's
Harmonic Feedback). And there is the romance with hot taxi-driving Virgil. He's a musician too of course. And Paris IS the most romantic city in the world...
I listened to the book on audio and enjoyed it. For one thing the French pronunciation of Virgil is much sexier than the English :-) Some suspension of belief is required. The author did a good job weaving the story lines with the parallel themes of the death of an innocent boy, revolution, and music. In booktalking it to students, I would probably introduce the contemporary Andi and then describe the party in the Catacombs.
YALSA's Top Ten Fiction Titles 2011
ALA/ALSC Odyssey Honor Book 2010 (audio)
10 comments:
This sounds like a really interesting book! Not so much like the historical fiction I remember as a child. I think students today will appreciate the supernatural and music as well. Maybe this is what some of our kids need to get them hooked on books of this genre. Historical fiction doesn't have to mean dull and boring!
This book sounds different than what I would think historical fiction would be, but I think students would really enjoy the book. The time shift is an interesting twist to the story and could be a good hook for students who do not always enjoy historical fiction.
Revolution sounds a bit like the 39 Clues series for younger readers in that it weaves present day characters with historical characters and situations. The protagonist (and reader) are that much more invested & this helps to bring the past into greater focus.
The musical references are also a strong draw for me as I'm sure it will be for the YA audience as well. I will look for this one on tape as you suggested.
I also wouldn't have thought of historical fiction in this way, but I agree with Michelle that the supernatural twist may be a good hook for kids.
This doesn't sound like your typical historical fiction (like everyone else has said). I like that it would appeal to many of the musically talented readers and I will add it to my list of must reads.
I think many students could relate to this book because it sounds like it deals with a lot of things students encounter in the present day, such as the senior paper not being done, thoughts of suicide, romance...Altogether I think students would enjoy reading it while also gaining a historical view.
I want to listen to this book on CD just to hear how they pronounce Virgil! =) Sounds like an interesting read...and I agree that high school girls will love this book. They often like books that involve traveling abroad and romance...and so do I. =)
This book sounds really neat just because it not only addresses modern living, but it also addresses life during the French Revolution. That is such an interesting concept! I think it would be a good book to recommend to students who are reluctant to try historical fiction titles. I really enjoyed the book I read by Jennifer Donnelly for this week, and I think I will definitely be checking this book out.
This is a book that I would like to read. It seems like one that should instantly capture the attention of YA females, especially! The music tie-in is always helpful, too!
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