THE BOOK FAIR

William Landay

DEFENDING              JACOB

Review:

Jacob Barber, the son of an assistant DA, in Newton Massachusetts, becomes a suspect in a grizzly murder.

Jacob is fourteen, and the only child of Andy and Laurie Barber.  Jacob attends middle school where it becomes apparent he is bullied by another student, Ben Rifkin, who is considered one of the cool kids.  One morning, the dead and bloodied body of Ben Rifkin is discovered in the neighborhood park, not far from the school.

Andy Barber is called to investigate, the usual suspects are questioned.  As the investigation proceeds and evidence mounts against Jacob, Andy Barber staunchly defends his son and refuses to consider he could be guilty.

 

Landay's fast paced, well written, moral based thriller raises the dilemmas parents face when confronted with a troubled or dangerous child and begs the moral question as to the extent a parent should venture to defend such a child.