Title: A Corner of the Universe
Author: Ann M. Martin
First published October 1, 2002
224 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780439771245 (ISBN10: 0439771242)
Rating: 4.07
Overview
A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin is a heartwarming tale of family, love, and unexpected connections.
Hattie Owen’s quiet summer is turned upside down when her uncle Adam returns home from a secret Chicago school. Though Adam is 21 years old, he has the mind of a child and a love for I Love Lucy.
Hattie finds herself drawn to her uncle’s childlike wonder and spends time with him at the carnival, where a ride on the Ferris wheel leads to a life-changing event. Through it all, Hattie and her family learn to strengthen their bonds and embrace the unexpected.
A Corner of the Universe is a touching story that will leave readers with a renewed appreciation for the importance of family and the beauty of life’s unexpected moments.
About the Author
Ann Matthews Martin was born in Princeton, New Jersey on August 12, 1955. Growing up, she lived with her parents and younger sister, Jane.
Following her graduation from Smith College, Ann became a teacher before transitioning to editing children’s books. Nowadays, she dedicates her time entirely to writing.
Ann draws inspiration for her books from a variety of sources. Some are based on personal experiences, while others are rooted in childhood memories and emotions.
Many of Ann’s stories touch on contemporary issues or events. Though all of her characters, including those from the Baby-sitters Club, are fictitious, many are inspired by real people.
Ann sometimes gives characters the names of people she knows, or simply chooses names she likes.
Writing has always been a passion for Ann. Even before she could write herself, she would dictate stories to her mother.
Her favorite childhood authors included Lewis Carroll, P.L. Travers, Hugh Lofting, Astrid Lindgren, and Roald Dahl, who inspired her to become a writer.
Since concluding the BSC series in 2000, Ann has focused on writing standalone novels, many of which are set in the 1960s. She has also relocated from New York City to the Hudson Valley in upstate New York, where she resides with her pets, Sadie the dog, and Gussie, Willy, and Woody the cats.
In her free time, Ann enjoys sewing, needlework, and reading, but her favorite hobby is creating clothing for children.
Editoral Review
A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin is a poignant and insightful novel that explores the themes of acceptance, identity, and mental illness.
Martin, a prolific author of children’s literature, skillfully navigates the world of young adult fiction with this compelling and thought-provoking story. Set in the summer of 1960, A Corner of the Universe introduces readers to Hattie Owen, a young girl spending her summer at her family’s boarding house in rural Pennsylvania.
Hattie’s world is turned upside down when her mentally disabled uncle, Adam, comes to visit the boarding house. Through Hattie’s eyes, Martin explores the complex relationships and dynamics of a family struggling to understand and accept Adam’s condition.
Martin’s writing style is both engaging and emotionally resonant. She deftly weaves together multiple narratives and characters, creating a rich and vibrant world that feels both familiar and unique.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with each chapter building upon the last and keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its nuanced and compassionate portrayal of mental illness.
Martin treats Adam with dignity and respect, never reducing him to a caricature or stereotype. Through Adam’s interactions with Hattie and the other characters, Martin shows the challenges and complexities of living with a developmental disability in a society that often fails to understand or accept those who are different.
The novel also explores themes of identity and acceptance, as Hattie struggles to fit in with her peers and come to terms with her own shortcomings. Martin’s characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, each grappling with their own inner demons and insecurities.
While A Corner of the Universe is undoubtedly a powerful and moving novel, it does have some limitations. The plot occasionally feels predictable, and some readers may find the ending unsatisfying.
Additionally, the novel’s historical setting and tone may not appeal to all readers. Overall, A Corner of the Universe is a standout novel that deserves to be read and appreciated by readers of all ages.
Its masterful storytelling, compelling characters, and insightful exploration of mental illness and societal acceptance make it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary young adult fiction. I highly recommend this novel to fans of Ann M.
Martin’s previous work, as well as to readers who enjoy thought-provoking and emotionally resonant literature. Rating: 4/5 stars.