The Last Cicada

"Doty weaves a gripping tale and the two mismatched protagonists come to life on the page as realistically sympathetic characters. The novel's 60s setting is skillfully evoked, from the names of penny candies such as Mary Janes and Atomic Fire Balls to telling quotes from President John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. A compelling tale set against the background of mid-20th-century rural New York and the burgeoning civil rights movement. All in all, a touching and satisfying read."

Kirkus Reviews­ -

The summer of 1963 is warm. It is also a time when racial tension is exploding across the United States of America, eventually reaching the small town of Porter Mills in upstate New York. But it hadn't reached Caleb Walden, yet, a gregarious ten-year-old white boy who likes most everyone, regardless of the color of their skin.   

So when Redmond Williams, a black ex-convict, is released from prison and decides to take shelter in an abandoned cabin just outside of town, Caleb is more than happy to make the man feel welcome, despite strong opposition from Hurley Cobbs, his mother's racist boyfriend.

As the friendship grows between Caleb and Redmond, so does the tension between the young boy and Hurley. Ultimately, Caleb is forced to decide if he should listen to Hurley and stay away from the ex-con, or risk the safety of himself and his mother to continue the relationship with his new friend. Whichever decision he makes it may cost him his life.

*The Last Cicada *is a novel about friendship and sacrifice, and the choices we all have to make in becoming who we are. 

Dettagli