Coming of Age

Coming of age is an important theme in the novel “Edna in the Desert” by Maddy Lederman. Coming of age involves the personal, spiritual, moral, or emotional growth and maturation of an individual often based on real world experiences, events, or mistakes. In the novel, it is Edna who comes of age through the time she spends with her grandparents, and her almost-relationship with Johnny.

When the novel begins, Edna is very much a spoiled rich kid. She is selfish, rebellious, and disrespectful. She has been a handful at school and at home. Edna’s parents have had enough, her father especially. Having grown up in humble circumstances, Edward has not allowed money to go to his head, and he refuses to allow his daughter to continue growing up jaded and disrespectful. Edna will be spending the summer with Edward’s own parents, who...