Winterfolk

by Janel Kolby

[Sam@WLABB]

I have read quite a few YA books, and I must admit, I do not believe I have read any, which gave me such a detailed look into the life of a homeless teen. This was quite interesting, in that Rain had lived isolated from the outside world in a sort of compound.

Her sheltered existence showed in her observations and the narration as she sometimes seemed childlike. When King took her into to the city for her birthday, her inability to interact with strangers and her discomfort with the world at large was obvious. I will say, Rain grew some through the experience, and there was even (what I think) an "event" to punctuate her maturation.

I will also say, that this book is beautifully written. Kolby is a true wordsmith, and there was this gorgeous ethereal quality to her writing. My problem with the book was that there seemed to be so many holes. I felt like I was being held responsible for making those leaps, but I would have liked to have been told some things explicitly. And the ending. Well, let's just say....



I kept flipping back and forth, thinking I missed something, but nope. It was that abrupt and vague.

Overall: An interesting look at the challenges facing homeless youth, but too many unresolved plot threads left me frustrated.