CHARGE (What is the author trying to say?): Does knowing the date you will die affect how you live?
Four children consult a Gypsy known for predicting dates of death. How will this knowledge change their lives? Is she accurate or does their belief influence their life choices? I wanted to hate this book. It is written from four different perspectives. I normally prefer one narrator, told in chronological order. The opening character leads a life of blatant carnality that I found disturbing. Despite myself, by the time I reached the third child’s story I couldn’t put the book down. The unexpected twists and turns kept me reading. From characters that were not universally likeable, I discovered a depth of character and richness that I had not expected. There is a lot to learn and experience in this book.
Verdict (Was the author successful?): Guilty, as charged. I loved this book!
Book Court 