Title: Flanders Point

Author: Jacquie Gordon

The main character in this novel Charlotte Delafield, goes to an all girls private school, Haddam. She adores this school and she adores her English teacher, Brian Patron. He never returns her affection until graduation day. Love that was once just a dream turns into something real. The two find themselves drawn to each other, Charlotte a bulletproof, gawky teen and Brian a restless young writer.

Throughout this emotional affair Charlotte is also trying to overcome her parents’ nasty divorce. Her father is an aggressive drunk and her mother was cold, fighting her own battles. Charlotte was always expected to take care of herself. She never had someone to lean on, but she could depend on Brian. Her parents left her behind with a new family, the Macreadys, where she helps care for their children and in return she is given a place to stay. Although she is in a more stable home she still feels isolated with no one to talk too and often takes walks in the wild marshlands where sometimes she will meet up with Brian.

Not only does this book connect to its audience emotionally, but it also obtains a common desire of forbidden love. It gives in-depth insight into the character’s lives, helping you see past the mask to all the dirt and grim of human nature and emotion. The author’s writing is real and ripping, it leaves you bare and broken, realizing all is not perfect.