Dreams of Significant Girls
By Darienne Stewart,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Rich girls come of age in powerful book with mature themes.
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What's the Story?
In the early 1970s, three wealthy girls from very different backgrounds have trouble getting along when they first land at a Swiss summer boarding camp. Cuban-American Vivien is compassionate and kind; coarse Ingrid, whose family left Germany, is a foul-mouthed loose cannon; and Shirin is the studious, regal daughter of a prominent Iranian family. Before the end of that summer, they find connections that bind them together for two more summers and into adulthood as they cope with early loves, disappointments, family turmoil, and the changing world around them.
Is It Any Good?
Beneath the trappings of wealth, Garcia's fascinating characters are alternately disappointing, inspiring, frustrating, appealing -- and always wholly realistic. Each of the three girls tells her story in her own distinct voice. Rather than fracturing the narrative, this approach underscores that while each protagonist has a unique perspective and experiences, their coming-of-age struggles are universal: They're teen girls discovering the complexity in themselves, their relationships, and the larger world. At times, the mature content is unnecessary, but mostly it serves the narrative.
The setting -- a French boarding school in Switzerland catering to the wealthy -- sets the stage for some laughably over-the-top situations. It's a testament to the strength of Cristina García's writing that even within this setting, her characters resonate so deeply.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the portrayal of wealthy teens in novels. Why do so many stories focus on such privileged teens? How might this story be different if the girls weren't rich and were at, say, a more typical American sleepaway camp in the woods? Can you relate to these girls?
In this book, girls as young as 15 are focused on losing their virginity and having more sexual experiences. Do you think this portrayal is realistic or exaggerated? Families can read our article Too Sexy, Too Soon for advice on talking with teens about this topic.
Book Details
- Author: Cristina García
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Publication date: July 12, 2011
- Number of pages: 256
- Last updated: July 9, 2015
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