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Brian
Francis
Fruit
A
Novel About a Boy and His Nipples
Toronto:
ECW Press, 2004
278pp.
$18.95
978-1-55022-620-1
In writing book
reviews, it is suggested that the opening sentence is critical; it should
capture the reader’s attention. However, reviewing this book has made my job
considerably easier, as the title of the book is certainly a hook in and of
itself. Francis’ novel, a Canada Reads 2009 Selection, is a precious coming of
age story about a 13-year-old boy named Peter who is struggling to find his
place in his family, at school, in the world, and with himself. The book
chronicles his many struggles with growing up, including his preoccupation with
his puffy nipples that he tapes down and “boobs,” the “I need to lose weight
kind.” Dramatic irony plays a huge role in engaging the reader to be invested
in his story, as it is painfully obvious to the audience that Peter is gay, yet
it seems to escape him.
In a fresh
voice, Brian Francis manages to capture and balance the horrifyingly
embarrassing and awkward moments of adolescence with the brutally funny parts
of it; the parts we look back on and cringe about while laughing so violently
that we cry, partially because it is so damn ridiculous and also because it
deeply hurt. What is particularly heartbreaking to read is how easily any shred
of attention and kindness shown to Peter excites him, and how he never uses
this absence as an excuse to feel sorry for himself for too long. He is
proactive to change his life, whether that is dieting, following boys around
school to find a new friend, or trying to be a better person by helping his
profane friend, Daniela.
This novel is
definitely worth a read if we want to remember how hard it is to be a kid, and
how even as adults, we share Peter’s moments of self-consciousness and
uncertainty. What we can learn from him is the importance of moving on from the
painful moments, and seeking out the hopeful ones.
Inspiration for blog post:
I must admit that I saw this book advertised and cringed at the title! Probably the very reason others will rush to read it. I taught YA lit course last year and we discussed the importance of having books with gay characters in the classroom and as novels teachers use with the whole class to make certain gay students understand our room is a safe place for them. I will add this book to my list. Have you read October Mourning by Lesléa Newman? Very different tone and an important book.
ReplyDeleteDeborah