This is a review of the book Tangerine, by Edward Bloor. It includes my personal impressions and perception of the book.
Exposition
The beginning of this book takes place in the Fisher family’s old home, in Houston, Texas. Paul Fisher and his mother are preparing to relocate to their new home, in Lake Windsor Downs, which is in Tangerine County, Florida. While this is happening, Paul is having a flashback to a traumatic experience, which occurred while living in Houston.
Rising Action
Paul and his family are getting settled into their community. However, life there is less than idyllic. Their neighborhood is plagued by muck fires, a sink hole, termites, thievery, mosquito infestations, mysterious Koi fish disappearances, and late night freezes. In addition to that, is the death of two young men. The first death is accidental, caused by an act of God. The second death, a brutal murder, carried out at the will of Erik Fisher. This would obviously not be the type of place where you would choose to live, and yet they did.
Conflict
The main conflict in this book is that Paul is being ignored by his family. They only pay attention to Paul’s older brother, Erik. Paul knows that Erik is not as great as they think. Erik is a cruel, violent, and manipulative person. Paul’s parents want to believe that he is lying, and believe that he is a saint.
Climax
The climax of the story is when Paul finally realizes how his vision became impaired. He had been wondering about it since as early as he could remember. It turns out that his parents had been lying to him along. They knew what had happened, but had told him differently. Erik and Vincent Castor had committed a cruel act of violence against him, having spray painted his eyes, because he supposedly had told people that Vincent had spray painted a wall. He was hospitalized to receive care, insuring that he would not be permanently blinded. That is why his vision is impaired. It is especially sad, being that he was only five years old when this occurred.
Resolution
In the end of this book, justice is served. The thieves were caught, and the victims of the robberies had their stolen items returned. People discovered the truth behind Luis Cruz’s death. In addition to that, it was revealed, that Osprey was behind the mysterious disappearance of the Koi fish.
Characters
Paul Fisher: Is twelve years old, in the seventh grade, and is legally blind. He plays soccer (mostly, goalie).
Erik Fisher: Is Paul’s older brother. He is cruel, self absorbed and violent. He plays football for Lake Windsor High School.
Mrs. Fisher: Is Paul and Erik’s mother. She plays an active role in the community.
Mr. Fisher: Is Paul and Erik’s father. When the story begins, he is the Deputy Director of the Civil Engineering Dept. of Tangerine County. As the story progresses, he is promoted to the Director of the department. He is obsessed with “The Erik Fisher Football Dream”.
Arthur Bauer: Erik’s best friend who is responsible for the death of Luis Cruz.
Joey Costello: Mike Costello’s younger brother, and Paul’s friend.
Mike Costello: Back-up quarterback for the Lake Windsor High School football team, who is killed by a lightning strike.
Victor Guzman: The leader of the War Eagles soccer team at Tangerine Middle School.
Luis Cruz: Tino and Theresa’s older brother, who is murdered by Arthur Bauer. He engineered a new type of tangerine, called the Golden Dawn.
Tino Cruz: Twin brother of Theresa Cruz, who plays on the Tangerine Middle School soccer team.
Theresa Cruz: Shows Paul around on his first day at Tangerine Middle School.
Shandra: Soccer goalie for The War Eagles, of Tangerine Middle school.
Vincent Castor: Erik’s best friend in Houston.
Setting
The book takes place in the fictional creation of Tangerine County, Florida. The area is in the northern part of the state, and is in the citrus grove region. The majority of the scenes in this book, take place within the community, and feature the neighborhood of Lake Windsor Downs, the Lake Windsor Middle School, Tangerine Middle School, Lake Windsor High School, and the Cruz Citrus Grove. The entirety of the book takes place during the first semester of a school year.
Theme
There are many things in this book which could be considered the theme. Personally, I believe that the predominant theme is courage. Paul has used courage in so many ways throughout the book. In the beginning, he was a nerd, who couldn’t stand up for himself. However, in the end, he became more daring and courageous… even making decisions which would incite Erik’s wrath.
Symbolism
In my opinion, the strongest example of symbolism is when Paul disposes of his entire wardrobe, which didn’t fit, and buys a new wardrobe which does fit. This symbolizes Paul shedding every aspect of his old life, and embracing his new life. An additional symbolic reference within the book would be the new, clean school, of Lake Windsor… filled with self-absorbed, selfish people… in comparison to the older, dirty school of Tangerine… with kind, thoughtful and caring people. This illustrates the old adage of “You can’t judge a book by its cover”.
