The Black Sunshine of Goody Pryne

Alana Trumpy is a graduate student in English at the University of
Toronto.

Steve and his best friend, Goody, make an endearing and often hilarious
duo. Steve’s fear of bullies and small stature plays off well against
Goody’s hulking figure, unpredictable behaviour, and acid tongue.
Steve is sensitive and insecure, the only child of his recently widowed
mother. His immediate problem is that Goody is becoming more
destructive. Because Steve is small and picked on, and because he
genuinely cares for Goody, he sees himself as the inevitable sidekick to
his violent and unpopular best friend. As Steve learns the skills of
clever arbitration in resolving the violent confrontations between Goody
and her rival class bully, Josie, he gains some self-confidence and
learns the value of friendship.

This is a great book. The dialogue is sharp and believable, and the
depiction of Steve’s inner world captures the perplexities of early
adulthood. Withrow tackles some tough questions without providing all
the answers. Her themes are never presented with a heavy hand, and she
refuses to steer her characters toward obvious lessons. For these
reasons, The Black Sunshine of Goody Pryne is sure to attract an ardent
readership. Highly recommended.