cover image SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD

SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD

Kim Ablon Whitney, Kim Ablon, . . Knopf, $15.95 (192pp) ISBN 978-0-375-82467-8

Whitney's ambitiously conceived but unconvincing first novel examines the complicated doings of a teenage Traveler; Bridget's family and friends all scam to make a living, running various frauds on both big and petty levels (they return stolen merchandise for cash, for example). At 16, Bridget has misgivings about her upcoming arranged marriage to handsome Patrick, and she also feels guilty about the people the family's schemes hurt. Her wild older brother is eager to make "big money," and her parents finally agree to send her with him, Patrick and their equally big-thinking uncle on a major real-estate swindle. Bridget struggles with some compelling issues—not only does marriage seem "so final, so fixed," but Patrick seems to be "messing around" with other girls, which only guys are allowed to do in their culture. The author paints sympathetic portraits of some of the victims, making it easy for the audience to connect to Bridget's crisis of conscience. On the other hand, readers may wonder why, except for one conversation between Bridget and Patrick, no other Traveler justifies their way of life and what aspect of their culture holds the Travelers together. Additionally, a revelation at the end seems heavily scripted, and Bridget's ultimate decision about whether or not to stay with the Travelers does not seem to tie up any loose ends. Ages 12-up. (Feb.)