What I Did for Roman

by Pam Conrad, Linda Benson (Illustrator)

With her mother away on a honeymoon in Europe, fifteen-year-old Darcie spends the summer with her dour uncle and his wife, restaurateurs in a zoo where Darcie begins a search for the father she has never known and develops a crush on a mysterious seal and bird keeper who leads her into a test with death.In her search for her mystery parent and for the fatherly love that has always eluded her, Darcie develops a crush on a zookeeper named Roman and fails to notice the changes he undergoes

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Pam Conrad (1947-1996) was an author for children. Her book Our House: Stories of Levittown was a Newbery Medal finalist.

Ms. Conrad was born in New York City and graduated from the New School for Social Research.

Reviews

[Fern ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start. WOW. This book had so many emotions towards the middle and end of the book; I didn't know whether to hate Roman or feel sorry for him. He is severely depressed and drags Darcie with him down his hole of despare and misery. He had no reason to do the things he did to Darcie (kiss her, lead her on, persuade her to die with him)! He needed professional and mental help; he grew too attached to the zoo animals and depended too much on them, at some point, on Darcie, too, that got him killed.

His death is a bit debateable. Did he actually kill himself and stay in the lion's den to finally willingly lose to Death, or did he sacrifice himself for Darcie because he knew she had so much to live for and both of them wouldn't make it out in time? MY GOODNESS THE ENDING GOT ME T~T

Overall, this book is SO GOOD. Like, oh my gosh. 5/5 recommend! You won't be disappointed.

[Anne]

Auf Deutsch: Ich glaubte es wäre Liebe

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book! I suggest that everyone read it, especially if you like endings with a twist. I didn't see this one coming.