Toni

Anne Savoie is a youth counsellor in Anjou, Quebec.

This novel explores teenager’s lives, problems, fears, and concerns in
a contemporary manner.

Toni is a troubled teenager. Her brother, the only person to whom she
was close, committed suicide. Since his death, her mother no longer
acknowledges his existence. Her parents fight and argue constantly, and
Toni cannot handle the war going on at home. One night she meets some
other teenagers from disturbed households—victims of incest, rape,
drugs, and other abuses. At first resistant, she finally is and feels
accepted among them: she has found a home. We see how the teenagers
live. They live responsibly and help one another through difficulties.
They have set themselves up as a community to help other youngsters with
troubled lives who need shelter.

      The story realistically depicts the abuses many individuals
suffer and the need for help, which can be available through friendship.
It offers insights into adolescents’ lives, showing that they do have
the capacity to handle responsibilities and help others. The novel is
well written and easy to read. It reflects what is happening to
teenagers throughout North America and can be used by parents to open up
discussions with teenagers. It is also a good read for those who have
gone through adolescence and can relate to these teens.