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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (June 18, 2020)
BOOKMONGER Coming of age in the 1970s Novel tells the story of a young girl learning about prejudice This week we’ll look at “Alberta & the Spark,” the debut novel of Astoria writer Jennifer Nightingale. Alberta Evans, the daughter of Cana- dian parents, is growing up in a small coastal community on the Washing- ton state coast in the 1970s. Her mother keeps busy as the community’s only doc- tor. Her dad is away on a work assign- ment in South America. The Illahee Apartments Alberta, called “Bert,” is the youngest of three sisters. Her oldest sister, Susie, is away in college. Her 15-year-old sis- ter Sheba, is interested primarily in boys, hairstyles and hanging out with her best friend, Peg. So at age 13, Bert is left with plenty This Week’s Book ‘Alberta & the Spark’ by Jennifer Nightingale Nestucca Spit Press — 441 pp — $20 of time on her own. She loves to read. She loves to roam through the woods and along the beach. And she loves to ask questions. Fortunately, Bert encounters a kindred spirit in Felix Oddany, who is out look- ing for owls one night and just happens to shine his light up into the tree where she has taken refuge after being teased mercilessly by Sheba and Peg. Felix is just a couple of years older and has “a way of looking out of his face as if he noticed everything.” He comes from a Polish family that is trying to revive the oyster indus- try that once thrived in their little town. The Oddanys have brought in a couple of Vietnamese refugee families to help with their business. Through the Odd- anys, Bert learns about ways of life that are new to her. And because she and Felix are both curious, and their imaginations are sparked by all sorts of different things – for- eign languages, new foods and nature – she gives her new friend a nickname: “Spark.” However, not every- one in their small com- munity is thrilled by the influx of these rel- ative newcomers – the Canadians, the Poles and the Vietnamese. Some feel threatened rather than intrigued by their differences. When the local sheriff refuses to take seriously the preju- dice-fueled actions of those folks against Bert and the people she has come to care about, Bert realizes Home of the Bud Mentors Cultivated to Serve Come Say... BRING IN THIS COUPON FOR 10% OFF Downtown Astoria’s Most Respected Apartment Complex Since 1969. YOUR ENTIRE ORDER! expires 6/25/2020 Open 7 days a week Hours are Mon, Wed, Fri 9-7 (9-10 reserved for Seniors & immune deficient folks) Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sun 10-7 (Hours subject to change without notice) Check out Leafly’s online ordering for curbside pick up. 1046 Grand Avenue Astoria, OR 97103 503-325-2280 10 // COASTWEEKEND.COM MEDICAL RECREATIONAL CBD/THC • FLOWERS • EDIBLES • PREROLLS CONCENTRATES • TOPICALS • ACCESSORIES • TSHIRTS Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults 21yrs of age and older. Keep out of reach of children. W E M E E T A N D E XC E E D T H E CDC GUIDELINES! 193 Marine Dr. (across from the 76 Gas Station) 503.325.4078 www.hiAstoria.com that while she had chosen to withdraw from her sister’s bullying, she must mus- ter the courage to confront this more seri- ous type of bullying writ large. In “Alberta & the Spark,” there is real poignancy in Bert’s realization that some of the people she thought she could rely upon have failed her. Just as she learns to discern the true perils of lazy thinking, she also grows to appreciate the exam- ples of resilience and optimism she sees around her. This novel resorts to a rather clunky conclusion, but never mind that. Bert’s story is much more about dawning reali- zations than it is about reaching conclu- sions. And in that it does not disappoint. The Bookmonger is Barbara Lloyd McMichael, who writes this weekly col- umn focusing on the books, authors and publishers of the Pacific Northwest. Con- tact her at bkmonger@nwlink.com.
