The Dangers of Proximal Alphabets

If you've been checking out the Reader's Corner, you've probably noticed that I have a fixation with debut novels.  I am simply amazed by the number of well-written debut novels that come out every month.  It's time once again for a brief review of one such novel.  This time it's The Dangers of Proximal Alphabets by Kathleen Alcott.

We meet Ida and her two best friends, brothers Jackson and James, who meet in early childhood and remain close (at times) into adulthood.  They are brought together through loss as Ida has lost her mother and the brothers have lost their father.  As quickly as they meet, they become inseperable.  In one beautifully written chapter, Ida describes to the reader everything she knows about James.  This is no easy feat for any writer, let alone a first-time novelist. 

Things become more complicated as the threesome grows up.  Jackson is tormented by vivid dreams and sleepwalking episodes.  Sometimes they even become violent.  Ida, who strikes up a romantic relationship with Jackson, and James often feel the brunt of Jackson's episodes, whether directly or indirectly.  Two of them lose touch for years, one decides to have nothing to do with the other, and all three must play mediator at one time or another. 

This powerful debut shows both the strength and fragility of friendship and is a very emotional read.