THE BURNING GIRL

by Claire Messud
 
What goodness for Claire Messud, who consistently writes fabulous novels.  Her latest, The Burning Girl, is no exception. In fact, I’m not sure how I managed to omit her from my list in December’s L & L Review of authors who I race to read whenever they publish new books.
 
Julia and Cassie, our two main characters, have grown up so close they are like sisters.  As they approach adolescence, however, the differences in their family situations and the values they’ve had instilled begin to assume greater significance, causing the inevitable painful disconnect between the two.  Messud creates such rich and sympathetic characters, that the reader aches for Julia as she struggles to hold onto her best friend.
 
Never predictable or trite, Messud’s story explores the many complex factors that come into play as children reach adulthood.  Try as Julia might to convince herself that she and Cassie can still be close, this brilliant female coming-of-age story reveals how sometimes our love can blind us to reality and prevent us from helping those we hold so dear.  This is a must read. (Liz)