Miss Matty by Edeet Ravel
Reviewed by James M. Fisher
Sometimes, as a break from heavy literature or a serious non-fiction title, I turn to a YA (young adult) novel, depending on the content and theme. When I saw this offering from Linda Leith Publishing, I was intrigued not only by the cover but also by the synopsis and the setting of the story.
“Miss Matty highlights the importance of understanding a friends' quirks for strong friendships.”
It’s Montreal in 1942, and WWII is well underway. However, Miss Matty is about life on the home front, and the war only makes an appearance in the storyline of Fran’s boyfriend, Phil, who is stationed in St. Thomas, Ontario, servicing aircraft and awaiting deployment overseas. Fran herself is still in high school, and she dreams big. Really big. She has to, for she comes from a poor, dysfunctional family. Her dreams are twofold: marry Phil when she finishes school and become a famous actress of stage and screen. (The “Miss Matty” of the title is actually a character in the school’s production of Cranford.)
Fran’s best friend is Rita, who comes from a middle-class background and is the more grounded of the two teens. Rita she has no big aspirations, only to get the attention of Leo, one of Fran’s old boyfriends. The two girls could not be more different, but they immediately became friends upon meeting in the neighbourhood soon after Rita and her family moved there. Rita understands Fran’s situation, and encourages her in her aspirations. Except for Phil, who has a bit of a reputation as a philanderer, something that Fran chooses not to acknowledge. This eventually causes a rift between Rita and Fran.
The chapters in Miss Matty alternate between Rita’s diary entries, correspondence between Fran and Phil, and a narrative detailing Fran’s ongoing struggles with maintaining a long-distance relationship and coping with less-than-ideal home life. This includes an absentee father and three younger siblings.
Miss Matty is a character-driven story; the focus is on Rita and Fran, their relationship and Fran’s grandiose dreams. Is Phil the true love he claims to be in his letters? Will Fran shine in her portrayal of Miss Matty in the school play? Will Fran and Rita make up?
Miss Matty highlights the importance of understanding a friends' quirks for strong friendships. It also emphasizes being realistic and not letting current circumstances prevent you from achieving goals. To summarize, Miss Matty is a good YA historical fiction novel with much to say even in these turbulent times.
About the Author
Edeet Ravel has written fiction for young readers, young adults, and adults. Her books have received many literary awards and distinctions, including the Hugh MacLennan Fiction Prize, the QWF Blachford Prize for Children and YA Literature, the J.I. Segal Award and the Snow Willow Award. She has been nominated twice for the Governor General's Award as well as for, among others, the Giller Prize, the Commonwealth Prize, several Children's Tree Awards, the Arthur Ellis Award, and the Vine Award. Her books have been translated into several languages and her YA novel The Saver was adapted for the screen. She lives in Montreal, and loves to hear from readers. Her name is pronounced eeeDEEET (not "edit").
Book Details
Publisher : Linda Leith Publishing (Feb. 15 2025)
Language : English
Paperback : 220 pages
ISBN-10 : 1773901656
ISBN-13 : 978-1773901657