The First Book of Samuel

Ursula Dubosarsky (author)

Penguin, Australia: 1995

ISBN: 9780140369953

Genres: realistic fiction

Issues: aging, communication, family, identity, racism, religion

Somewhat overwhelmed by his melodramatic, opera-star father and his super-clever, extra-observant sister, Samuel feels he is defined by his love for his grandfather, Elias, and his secret past.

On his twelfth birthday, Samuel disappears. Most of the story is about the past, the events that led to his completely unexpected disappearance. Perhaps if things had been different, if they hadn't gone on that holiday when he was a baby, if he had known more about Elias' past, if he had more in common with his father, perhaps then Samuel wouldn't have disappeared.

An interesting story of a young Jewish boy's search for self, the story resolves unexpectedly, neatly weaving in elements hinted at in the beginning.

Same Author: High Hopes; The Last Week in December; The White Guinea-Pig; Zizzy Zing; The Word Spy; The Red Shoe