A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

Donnelly, Jennifer. A Northern Light. Harcourt, Inc., 2003. 396 pages. $8.95. ISBN 0152053109

Readers Annotation: In an attempt to forge her own life and dreams, Mattie takes up residence in an inn only to be engrossed in the mystery of a murder.

Plot Summary: The recent high-school graduate Mattie loves to write and has hopes of going to college in New York City. At her mother’s deathbed, however, Mattie promises to take care of her family. In order to help raise money for the family she takes a job at a resort in the Adirondack Mountains where she becomes involved in the mysterious death of Grace Brown. Before taking a boat on the lake with her fiancé, Grace gives Mattie a packet of love letters and asks her turn burn them. When Grace turns up drowned in the lake, Mattie decides to read the letters and soon realizes that her death was no accident. In the midst of the murder mystery, Mattie tries to follow her dreams, but is greatly crestfallen when her father forbids her to take a much-earned scholarship. As the story unfolds Mattie must decide whether she will follow her dreams or live the life her family expects of her.

Critical Evaluation: This award-winning novel certainly lives up to its hype. Donnelly creates a character that seems a reflection of the author, a lover of words. At the beginning of each chapter Mattie learns about a new word, and so does the reader. The difficulties Mattie faces with her family and her future are those that a teen today may end up facing, which makes this book suitable for teens fifteen and up. Her desire to pursue her dreams is not unlike many teens today, and not all teens have the opportunity to take a deserved scholarship. Donnelly’s portrayal of a real murder case and the plight of young women at the turn of the century make this book a great choice for historical fiction of this period.

Reading Level: Suitable for ages fifteen and up, although younger teens with a higher reading level would enjoy it as well.

Book talk ideas: The opening chapter would be a great selection to read. Discuss the value of words and the idea that a great writer is also a great reader. Due to the subject matter (murder) and time period (turn of the century) I would also suggest Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books, especially for boys, but also The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath for those interested in characters who writer but have difficulties attaining their goals.

Why it is included: I chose this book because of the many awards and nominations it has received, including the many “Best Book” lists it is on. In 2004 it won the Michael L. Printz award.

Challenge Issues: The aspects of the novel that may seem controversial include the murder of a young woman and possibly the fact that the female teacher Mattie looks up to smokes. As with all historical fiction I would be ready to argue that these are a reflection of not only the true story of Grace Brown, but also the time in which it takes place.