The Lantern Bearers

by Ronald Frame

Overview

Sent away from home for the first time, Neil Pritchard spends the summer of 1962 with his Aunt Nessie on the Solway Firth. Neil soon becomes involved with Euan Bone, a young Scottish composer. Suddenly, however, Neil is expelled from his Eden - with devastating consequences for all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781582431550
Publisher:	Counterpoint Press
Publication date:	10/02/2001
Edition description:	1ST US
Pages:	228
Product dimensions:	6.54(w) x 9.58(h) x 0.88(d)

Editorial Reviews

The winner of the 2000 Saltire Award for the Scottish book of the year represents storytelling at its finest. Fourteen-year-old Neal Pritchard is sent to spend the summer with his aunt in the Scottish seaside town of Auchendrennan. While there, Neal is asked to be a singer for Euan Bone, a highly regarded composer, as Bone creates a musical work based on Robert Louis Stevenson's short story "The Lantern Bearers." Young Neal becomes infatuated with Bone, experiences his first feelings of sexual awakening, and is increasingly enthralled with the composer and his fascinating household. However, when Neal's voice begins to change, he is no longer useful as a singer and is abruptly discharged from his position. Neal's resentment at this rejection moves him toward an act of treachery whose horrifying consequences haunt him into adulthood. Subtly developed characters, a unique and enchanting setting, suspense, and lovely writing make this an exceptional work that should not be missed. Cathleen A. Towey, Westbury Memorial P.L., NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

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