Crime in the Neighborhood, A

Berne, Suzanne

  0 Reviews

Ten-year-old Marsha narrates this story set in 1970s suburban Washington. The horrifying murder of a young boy is the most visible crime in Marsha's neighbourhood, but it is by no means the only one. First novel by this author. Winner of the Orange Prize, 1999.

Comments from Groups

Beautifully written. Deceptively simple but multi-layered. Lots of discussion re childhood, memory, loneliness and the effects of marriage breakups. Most liked it very much. Auckland 124

We all agreed that the author's use of language was skilful and well crafted, with good characterisation, but most felt the plot was lacking, with too many aspects lightly touched upon. Whitby 002

An unusual style of writing and unputdownable. It was interesting that the crime, revealed at the beginning, was never solved - indeed the solution seemed irrelevant as there were so many other things going on! Lower Hutt 004

Clear, plain prose, deceptively easy to read, covering quite complex, serious issues. A story that focuses on mistakes and loss for all the main characters. Provoked a surprising amount of discussion... Not a memorable book, but of sufficient interest that we might want to read another by the same author. Amazingly good for a first novel. Auckland 147

We thoroughly enjoyed this book (despite the subject matter). very readable and thought provoking. Highly recommended. Wellington 007

Groups thought it a pleasant read, but didn't think it deserved the Orange Prize. Dunedin 001

Everyone liked the book. Led to a lively discussion about our own neighbourhood! Auckland 107

Reviews