Speaking of Depth

Literary fiction tends to emphasize theme and character over plot. However, I would add the inclusion of symbolism and motif greatly enrich a novel.  Most readers can spot an object that serves as a symbol: a flag for patriotism; a heart for love; a skull and crossbones for danger. But for a work to be classified as literary, symbolism needs to be woven throughout the work.

We don’t have to go back 150 years to Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter which is tough reading for anyone. The novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is one of the best YA novels in terms of literary depth and plot. It’s a powerful story about Melinda Sordino, a girl who found herself at the wrong summer party with the wrong person before going the beginning of her 9th grade school year. Anderson does an incredible job of portraying the awkwardness of fitting in while struggling with a secret that slowly tries to devour our heroine.

The fact that this book has been one of the most frequently banned or challenged books since 1999 according to the American Library Association is a testament to how powerful and how important it is.  Five stars out of five.

https://madwomanintheforest.com