The Saskiad Book

[What follows is my original review of this book, which I posted to Amazon.com (which was pretty new back then!) on July 22, 1997. I haven't re-read the book since then, but I remember writing this, and stand by the comments.]

I teach English to secondary school students, and started The Saskiad with high hopes, overjoyed at the prospect of being able to recommend it to students. However, as I read it, I became convinced that it is NOT an appropriate book for any but the most mature teenagers.

While Hall writes beautifully, the characters (especially Saskia) are captivating, and the structure is imaginatively conceived, I can recommend it only to adult readers, and even then with reservations. It is intriguing, and the first two segments are wonderful, but the dark underbelly of this story--although it is a valid match for the literary theme of lost innocence--is not something I would want a teenager to read without support from another reader. There certainly are some teens who can handle it without difficulty, though; if you are considering selecting this book for your teenager, think about that reader's maturity and open-mindedness.

Topics include pedophilia (Jane is only 13-14), drugs, and promiscuity, and the text even makes a liminal examination of incest. Selecting interesting and challenging new literature for intellectually adventurous teenagers is extremely difficult, and I am always wary of those who would censor works that stretch the bubble of acceptibility. In good conscience, though, I must state my caveat to any parent or person who thinks that this is a thoroughly harmless and gentle coming-of-age novel. It is harsh in a way that is literarily challenging but also (potentially) emotionally challenging.

Caveats aside, Hall's overall effort makes for an interesting read. Saskia's fantasy incursions into her literary world might be confusing at first (narrative shifts tend to be), but it is worth the effort to get into this novel.