Coming of Age

Patty is twelve years old, but in many ways she seems much older. In fact, she tries to convince Ruth she is in fact, a teenager, as any person with an age of two digits is teenaged, although no one says “tenteen” as it sounds like a brand of gum. Patty is smart if unmotivated in school, has an excellent grasp of language, and her survival instincts are firmly in place. However, in many ways she is still extremely immature. She tells outlandish lies, makes desperate plays for attention, struggles with discretion, and does not fully consider the consequences of her actions.

Meeting Anton is a turning point in Patty’s life. Through her friendship with him, she begins to see the positive consequences of her generous nature. She begins to see herself as he (and Ruth, and Freddy) see her: a kind and beautiful person...