Barry, Lynda. Cruddy
Cruddy is cruddy; and violent and shocking and bloody and an expertly told story! Lynda Barry has an incredible ear for dialog - especially teenage dialog. Sixteen-year-old Roberta Rohbeson's life so far has been one miserable journey. The story begins five years after the Lucky Chief Motel Massacre when Roberta was found in the desert covered with blood. She now lives in a rundown house with her mother and sister and spends most of her time trying to escape these surroundings by doing drugs with her suicidal loser friends. The events of Roberta's daily life are intertwined with the events of five years ago. Both stories describe the harsh realities of her not so every day life.
What makes the book worth reading in spite of the unrelenting misery is the fact that Roberta is a believable although not likeable character and she vividly brings to life all the characteristics of a life gone wrong. Although Cruddy is not for the faint of heart it is a memorable story.
Anne-Marie Mulligan, February 15, 2000.
Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - This page last updated 2/15/00 - lme.