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Reviews of The Swing by Emily Hanlon An Author's Guild Back-in-Print Book originally published by Bradbury Press and Bantam Books |
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"Emily Hanlon tells a psychologically sound and affecting story about two hurting children. Beth, an 11 year old deaf girl, exults in flying high on a swing near her family's summer place. Danny, a native of the town, resents her usurpation of the spot sacred to him where he and his late father spent many happy hours. The boy resents his rough stepfather, but feels compelled to impress him. Thus, when Danny panics and almost loses his life to a bear protecting its cub and Beth saves his life, Danny reverses the facts at home. He swears he saved Beth's life, a lie that results in a tragedy. Thanks to Danny's innate decency, however, the effects of the grievous events are mitigated. The author deserves credit for the creation of a fine novel about recognizable human beings." Publishers Weekly "A fine, sensitive work that honestly portrays the conflicting emotions of two young teens and the adults in their lives...The book does not deal in black and whites but rather the grays of love and hate that man is made of." VOYA, Voice of Youth Advocates "Readers will be caught up in the fast moving tale as Beth, who is hearing impaired, seeks independence from her overprotective mother, and Danny finds that he must adjust to his stepfather's demand that he act like a man! Both encounter danger, heartbreak and cruelty as they share their nearby mountainside with a bear family. Believable characters carry an important message about friendship and love." Westchester Magazine |
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