Something Very Sorry

Translated by its accomplished Dutch author, this poignant, achingly memorable novel relates the thoughts and feelings of a nine-year-old girl as she recovers from a serious automobile accident involving her entire family. Only a glimpse of Rosemyn's carefree childhood is offered before that split second when her father takes his eyes off the road and irrevocably alters their lives. Lying in traction in the hospital, Rosemyn ponders her father's guilt in causing the accident, wonders if her brain-damaged younger sister will ever be ""normal"" again, and grieves for her mother, comatose and dying. Even during the bleakest moments of this novel, its strong undercurrent of love and hope will reach the reader. Nurses, friends, relatives and neighbors join forces to ease Rosemyn's emotional pain. Most touching is Rosemyn's father's unyielding determination to rebuild a life with his children. Although the subject matter of this book may be too intense for some readers, most will be drawn into this day-to-day account of spiritual recovery, relishing the subtle beauty of the author's prose and its life-affirming message. Ages 10-14. (Apr.) FYI: This is a true story; the character of Rosemyn is the author's own daughter.