The Jumbee

Gr 8-Up In this compelling retelling of "The Phantom of the Opera" high school senior Esti Legard moves to the island of Cariba, in the West Indies, to begin theater studies at Manchicay School. Once there, she struggles to break free of the shadow of her late father, a legendary actor, in order to be recognized as a legitimate actress in her own right. During tryouts for "Romeo and Juliet" Esti hears the seductive voice of a mysterious man-known as Alan Thelping her through the audition. Unknown to anyone, she begins meeting privately with him at the theater although he refuses to reveal himself, and she performs in the play under his tutelage. When Esti shares with a classmate that she has been hearing Alan's voice, the news spreads, and the superstitious islanders suspect he is a type of ghost-a jumbee. However, Alan's passion for Shakespeare wins Esti over, and she begins falling for him, unsure of whether she has feelings for a man or a ghost. Further complicating matters is Esti's growing attraction to a family friend turned bad boy, Rafe Solomon. When mysterious accidents befall the set of the play, everyone, including Esti, begins to suspect Alan is behind them. In her quest for the truth, she uncovers shocking secrets about her father and the island. Keyes masterfully weaves Shakespearean dialogue into the narrative in a manner that is accessible to readers. This evocative gothic tale will engage teens looking for an unconventional romance infused with suspense.-"Lalitha Nataraj, Chula Vista Public Library, CA" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.