by Jennifer Donnelly
This work of historical fiction is set in the Adirondacks of 1906, where the famous Gilette murder case took place. The focus is not on the subject of murder itself, however. This story centers on the character of 16-year-old Mattie Gokey, a gifted student who works at the hotel where the victim and perpetrator were guests. We learn that Mattie collects words from her treasured dictionary, and while she feels pressured to stay at home, take care of her siblings, and eventually get married to a local farm boy, Mattie yearns to realize her dream of going to college and becoming a writer.
--Kristin McKeown, Faculty
