Shadow Man

by Cynthia D. Grant

Grant spins a Rashomon-like story with a drunk-driving fatality at its core. Chapters are narrated by diverse inhabitants of a seacoast California town where popular Gabriel, 18, is found dead one night: after he left a party alone and inebriated, he crashed his truck into a tree. Jennie Harding, Gabriel's girlfriend, resented his alcoholism and infidelity, but adored him. Only Gabriel knew she is five months pregnant and that they had quarreled two nights earlier. On the morning Jennie learns of his death, she runs to their secret beachfront spot, contemplating suicide. Reading their daughter's diary for clues to her whereabouts, the Hardings learn of her condition and take steps that ultimately save her life. Grant's dark novel, while affecting, becomes melodramatic: Jennie's attempted martyrdom is extreme, while Gabriel's father Frank, who battered his wife and sons, seems an unlikely hero. Yet the cautionary tale may inspire readers' reflections on life, death and the need to act intelligently. (From Publishers Weekly, Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

149 pages, Library Binding

First published October 1, 1992

About the author

Cynthia D. Grant is the award-winning author of "Mary Wolf" and "The White Horse." She is a popular American author who writes novels about growing up. Her books appeal to young adults who want to read stories about life in the real world. As Grant commented in an interview with Authors and Artists for Young Adults, "Since 1980 I have published ten books for children and young adults, primarily for the young adult category, which is considered age twelve and up. I don't ever sit down and write 'for' children. I'm an adult; I write what sounds good to me." In her novels, Grant tackles difficult social problems such as alcoholism, child abuse, and homelessness. Grant is not afraid to portray violence and other graphic situations. However, the overall message she conveys is that, no matter what the problem, young adults can survive adolescence. After all, Grant said, "Most of us who write for children or young adults know that they read books not only to be entertained, but to be enlightened and encouraged." Her characters are heroes who triumph over tragedy. They are realistic young people who overcome a variety of obstacles, and stand for the winning qualities of righteousness, maturity, humor, and independence. Grant has received important awards for....for her work, including the PEN/Norma Klein Award in 1991.She lives in the mountains outside Cloverdale, California.

Reviews

[Caleb Thayer]

Book title: Shadow Man

Personal Response: The book Shadow Man was very confusing in the beginning because it continues to switch character’s perspectives although towards the end it made more sense. Speaking of the end of the book, it was in my opinion not very good. It ended with Jennie walking up to the front door of her house and opening it, nothing after that she just opens the door then it's the end.

Plot: The plot in Shadow Man is that a teenager dies in a car accident and the book shows how the people in the town are reacting to Gabriel’s death. Jennie is one of the first to hear of his death. She then runs from home to the beach where she and Gabriel used to go to. The next people in town to react are Gabriel’s parents, his mother won't talk to anyone and locks herself in her room. His dad goes out to the funeral parlor to get the funeral for Gabriel ready.

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to anyone who likes drama books. I would also recommend this to anyone who likes realistic books. In the end people should consider reading Shadow Man.

[Jenna Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a young teen (late 90s, early 2000s). For someone who wasn't big on reading back then, this was definitely a page turner for me. The writing just flowed and the story was nice. Each chapter was a different POV.

[Ness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book 10 years ago in my teens. I have never forgotten the story. The characters have haunted me, shaped my conscience on many days. One of my absolute favourite books to date.