Title: Purple Heart
Author: Patricia McCormick
First published August 18, 2009
208 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780061730917 (ISBN10: 0061730912)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
Aboard a ship destined for the unknown, Princess Anastasia hopes to find her own destiny and maybe even find love along the way. However, the land she arrives in is cursed and in dire need of a hero.
Along with eleven other princesses, Anastasia is forced to compete in a mysterious tournament that takes place in a magical underground realm. As she uncovers the dangers of this new court, Anastasia realizes that she needs the help of the prince of the land, but she can’t let herself fall for him.
The fate of the land rests on the winner of the tournament, and Anastasia is determined to use her secret advantage to save the princesses and break the curse. But the price of victory may come at a cost she’s not willing to pay.
Melanie Cellier’s retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses is a thrilling adventure where love, magic, and sacrifice collide.
About the Author
Meet Patricia McCormick – a writer and journalist with an impressive educational background. She obtained her degree from Rosemont College in 1978, followed by an M.S. from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in 1986 and an M.F.A. from New School University in 1999.
McCormick’s first novel for teens, Cut, explores the difficult topic of self-injury. She continued her success with My Brother’s Keeper in 2005, which delves into the struggles of a boy coping with his brother’s addiction, and Sold in 2006.
McCormick has received numerous accolades for her work, including the American Library Association Best Book of the Year, New York Public Library Best Book for the Teenaged, and the Children’s Literature Council’s Choice.
McCormick’s writing talent extends beyond her novels. She has contributed to a variety of publications, including The New York Times, Parents Magazine, The New York Times Book Review, Ladies Home Journal, Town & Country, More, Reader’s Digest, and Mademoiselle.
On top of that, she has also taught journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and creative writing at the New School University. McCormick currently resides in New York with her spouse, two children, and two cats.
Editoral Review
Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick: A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Resilience and Courage in War
Patricia McCormick’s Purple Heart is a heart-wrenching tale about overcoming the trauma of war. First published on August 18, 2009, this novel is a captivating account of two young soldiers who survive an attack in Iraq, but not unscathed.
McCormick, a Pulitzer Prize nominee and renowned author of books for young adults, has written a gripping story that showcases her immense talent for depicting complex human struggles with compassion and sensitivity. The novel belongs to the genre of contemporary realistic fiction that engages its readers with its relatable characters, authentic settings, and themes that resonate with current issues.
McCormick takes these conventions to new heights with her vividly rendered characters and themes that touch on the aftermath of war, PTSD, military life, and family relationships. She masterfully presents the novel’s central conflict as the soldiers cope with their physical and emotional scars amid a society that often overlooks or misunderstands their sacrifice.
The novel’s plot revolves around two soldiers, Matt and Cole, who are both injured in an attack in Iraq. The story begins with Matt waking up in a military hospital in Washington, D.C., with no recollection of the event or his injuries.
Slowly, with the help of his parents and a therapist, he starts to piece together his memories and come to terms with what happened. Meanwhile, Cole, who is being treated in the same hospital room as Matt, is struggling with severe PTSD and survivor’s guilt.
Both soldiers navigate their recovery process differently, with Matt determined to return to active duty, and Cole succumbing to addiction and despair. The novel’s characters are the heart of the story, and McCormick’s skillful characterization elevates the book to a moving and unforgettable tale.
She portrays Matt and Cole with such depth and realism that readers empathize with their plight and root for their recovery. She also creates secondary characters, such as Matt’s parents and Cole’s wife, who play pivotal roles in supporting the wounded soldiers.
McCormick’s writing style is simple yet powerful, allowing readers to connect with the story on many levels. She crafts each sentence with purpose, conveying the characters’ emotions and thoughts vividly without being melodramatic.
The pacing is just right, with enough tension and conflict to keep the reader engaged, but not overbearing. The novel’s themes, which explore the consequences of war and the struggles of veterans, are all too relevant today and provide an eye-opening glimpse into a world that many of us may never fully understand.
Despite its strengths, Purple Heart has some limitations. The novel lacks a clear resolution to the soldiers’ stories, leaving some readers dissatisfied with the ending.
Additionally, some characters could have been developed more fully, such as Cole’s wife, who remains a peripheral figure throughout the novel. These criticisms, however, do not detract from the book’s overall excellence.
In conclusion, Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick is an emotionally compelling and beautifully written novel that deserves praise and recognition. It provides a poignant and insightful commentary on the aftermath of war and the toll it takes on soldiers and their families.
The novel’s message of hope and resilience will leave readers touched and inspired. I would recommend this book to young adults and adults who enjoy realistic fiction and have an interest in military life and its impact on those who serve.
I rate this book a solid 4.5/5 for its outstanding writing, powerful themes, and unforgettable characters.
