Some books just happen at the right time. I found this one in the school library when I was in grade seven, circa 1977. I was keenly aware that year that I wasn't the girl who turned the boys' heads. I wasn't particularly good at any sports, I had a year or two with terrible acne and I certainly wasn't one of the cool kids. So when I found Patty Bergen - my age, unappreciated and lonely, we became best friends for the duration of the story. Anton, the German prisoner of war she befriended, stood in for all the guys who couldn't see past the zits and bony awkwardness. I fell asleep imagining MY Anton, and decided if I ever had a son, that would be his name.
I never read it again, and I doubt it was as good as I remember. In fact, sitting here, remembering this as one of the seminal books of my middle-school years, I realize I don't even know what became of Anton - did he survive the war? I have no idea.
Wow. You sound just like me in high school. I have heard of this book, but I don't think I ever read this. But, interestingly, one of my favorite people in the world right now is my neighbor Anton, who is 3. Because he's not into wearing his pants, I think I've seen his penis more often than almost any other guy's.
ReplyDeleteOMG Indigo, your Anton is a character straight out of one of my favorite Martha Grimes mysteries! A little boy who is never seen wearing pants.
DeleteI do hope you will tell this story at Anton's wedding.
DeleteKim: Well, now. Helen: Good idea!
DeleteI remember the Masterpiece Theater (?) production of this, but I never read the book. I was also that girl in middle school.
ReplyDeleteOh Sabine, the books I read simply because I wanted to be in love with a lovely man, who would miraculously overlook all my flaws and see into my soul! This book would have suited my 13-year-old self to a T.
ReplyDeleteI think that applies to more 13-year-old girls than not.
DeleteYou named your son Anton and Susan named her daughter Gillian. My oldest daughter's middle name is Esme. I'm going to have to write about why.
ReplyDeleteJD Salinger?
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