Tin Angel

Reader reviewed by Allison Fraclose

At the age of fourteen, Ronalda Page was arrested for the murder of Louis Moss, an old friend of her mothers who had supported their family after the death of Ronaldas father. In three separate parts, Ronnie takes us back through the events that led her to this point, where she has been vilified for killing one of the towns most respectable citizens.

Ravens, an internationally renowned lodge high up in the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia, has been in Ronnies family for generations, but even that cant save them from the shortage of funds to keep the place running. Despite the efforts of Ronnies father, all of their hopes collapse when hes killed in an automobile accident, on his way to meet with a possible investor. Devastated, Ronnies family collapses as well. Now left with few options, they sell the lodge to Louis Moss, who in turn puts them up in a suburban home in town and provides a job for Ronnies mother.

While her mother drowns herself in alcohol and her older sister grows distant (and a bit too familiar with Louis), Ronalda struggles with her adjustment to attending school, getting along with her peers, and finding enough food in the cupboard to eat. As all of these things begin to elude her, she manages to finally find a friend in a young man who would prefer that questions not be asked. When his life and freedom come under danger, Ronnies efforts to help him take her back to Ravens, and the horrifying night of confrontation that will change her life permanently.

The main part of this story appears to be in the third section, where Ronalda faces her detainment, questioning, and subsequent trial. While Id been invested in Ronnies story up until this point, I felt that the lesson obviously being taught about Canadas treatment of criminal minors detracted from Ronnies tale somewhat. That aside, I found this book to be a well-written, poignant story with a few twists, and definitely worth the read.