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The Crying Rocks

Book Summary

Reviewed by Matt Berman

Joelle can't remember her life before she was adopted at the age of five. Her adoptive mother, Mary Louise, provides a few strange details that don't really make sense or hang together, such as that she traveled alone on a freight train, and lived for a while in a box in the railyard with a crazy woman.

Her growing friendship with Carlos introduces her to his fascination with the Narragansetts, an Indian tribe that lived in their area hundreds of years ago. There are disturbing and conflicting rumors about them, and their research only turns up more contradictions. But Carlos has family secrets too, and an old homeless woman, who is rumored to be an Indian queen, may hold the key both to their quest, and to Joelle's past.

Is It Any Good?

3

Janet Taylor Lisle specializes in two themes: the hint, usually unexplained, of fantasy or the supernatural in everyday life, and shifting perspectives that keep both characters and readers guessing about what's true and what isn't. Both are at play here.

This book, though, is slower and more thoughtful than many of her others, and only patient, experienced readers are likely to be drawn in. It's a mystery of sorts, and discovering the truth will keep some readers turning the pages. Others will find the lack of action or vibrant characters dull. It has its moments, but it lacks the visionary lyricism of Lisle's best work.

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