The Price Of A Child

The Price Of A Child: A Review

Generally, I really like getting books to read in English class. I was excited when we were given The Price of a Child by Lorene Carey, because I knew that it’d been a One Book, One Philadelphia novel a few years back, and it really interested me. After beginning the book in class, I realized that it was wisely chosen: I loved it! The entire plot just kept moving, and was just detailed enough to capture my attention. The Price of a Child by Lorene Carey was a really well written novel.
One thing I enjoyed about the books’ plot was the entire love interest. It was captivating, with unexpected twists. I liked the fact that as high school juniors, we weren’t sheltered from this type of writing. I thought it was interesting, however, that when the chapters with specific scenes involving Mercer and Tyree were assigned, we just happened to not be in class. Another thing I truly enjoyed was the literal journey the book takes the reader on. When I read, I chose books that capture my attention; ones that enthrall me, and take me on a trip through the pages between the covers. This book thoroughly fulfilled my hunger for a good story. The way Cary’s story comes through the characters voices is incredible; it honestly sweeps up the reader into Mercers’ world.
Although the book definitely had its high points, there were also parts that weren’t quite so appealing. One thing I didn’t particularly enjoy was the love interest between Abby Anne and Ephraim. The entire façade that Abby Anne maintains in order to ensnare Ephraim was deplorable: I couldn’t understand why Carey wrote such a character into her novel. I didn’t like the fact that everyone knew Abby Anne was a lazy woman who was only interested in Ephraim for what he could provide her physically, and not that he could change her. I felt that it was a needless addition to an otherwise worthwhile book. A second thing I didn’t favor in this book was Blanche’s character. She, like Abby Anne and Ephraim’s relationship, seemed superfluous. Blanche is just a complication, who’s character seemed to be used merely as a filler; a side-plot. I thought it was unnecessary to include her in the story, because although she played a role in the sub-plot about Roland, she only caused trouble. It was partially Blanche that kept Mercer and Tyree from being together, Blanche who made herself get sick from the fur she created hats out of. I don’t understand why she was included in the novel.
As I read the book, I noticed the way Carey stylized her writing. I enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t the stiff writing that I’d grown accustomed to. I especially liked the way Carey wrote from a third person omniscient point of view. This allowed me to look into the minds of the other characters. It was very interesting to know what Tyree was thinking, simultaneously knowing what Mercers opinion as well. I really enjoyed the way Carey created an individual voice for each of the characters: she did an amazing job