Fascinating. The writer did an excellent job of balance the murder of her friends, her brother's autism, and the struggles a young girl faces. Most of all I loved the respect she had for Irene, her empathy for the girl and her family could be felt in her writing.
Helpful Score: 1
Sometimes after I finish a book, I know immediately that I won't be able to part with it for awhile. I'll have to loan it to a few close friends, thumb through it to find some tidbits to read aloud to my husband, and just treasure seeing it for a time on my bookshelf and the memories that it evokes. This is one of those books.
Girls of Tender Age is a memoir of a girl's childhood set against the events and aftermath of a serial rapist and killer in smalltown Connecticut in the 1950's. The girl's family unit is by no means "normal". She grows up with an older brother labeled "retarded", but obviously autistic. The result is a family that modifies their lives to a ridiculous degree to make him more comfortable.
The book is sprinkled with poignant photographs of special events and extended family members. By the end of the book, you will know them very well. Don't miss the "extras" at the end of the book (interesting notes by the author and even a recipe you'll want to try). If you like memoirs, make a note of this one.
Girls of Tender Age is a memoir of a girl's childhood set against the events and aftermath of a serial rapist and killer in smalltown Connecticut in the 1950's. The girl's family unit is by no means "normal". She grows up with an older brother labeled "retarded", but obviously autistic. The result is a family that modifies their lives to a ridiculous degree to make him more comfortable.
The book is sprinkled with poignant photographs of special events and extended family members. By the end of the book, you will know them very well. Don't miss the "extras" at the end of the book (interesting notes by the author and even a recipe you'll want to try). If you like memoirs, make a note of this one.
