Plot
Dane is 16 years-old, he’s in high school and he’s got a
reputation for being a bit of a hard-nut. Dane certainly has a temper on him and he’s on
the edge of being kicked out of school.
But then his new neighbour arrives on the scene. His name is Billy D, he has Down’s syndrome
and he has a far more responsible outlook on life than Dane, who gives someone
a beating as soon he feels the ‘itch’ in his palms.
Billy D and Dane soon develop a close bond which begins with
Dane’s agreeing to support Billy during the first few weeks of him settling
into his new school (Dane’s school as well). This soon turns into a close friendship; so
close that they both go to extraordinary lengths in order to help the other in
their endeavours.
Good points
Dane and Billy’s relationship is beautiful. The transformation that Dane undergoes is wonderfully
written; from when he first meets Billy D and calls him a ‘retard’ to when he
threatens anyone who so much as looks at Billy in a derogatory manner by the
end of the book.
What Lange establishes so well is the humour between the two
of them. There are many occasions in
which Dane teaches Billy various things that he doesn’t understand such as
various sayings and colloquialisms. But then,
equally, Billy asks Dane many philosophical questions that Dane just can’t
answer and that even start making him question his own behaviour. Without a doubt, Billy is the very reason for
why Dane becomes a changed guy by the end of the novel.
Plus, there’s even a little bit of romance between Dane and
a great character called Seely which helps to embellish the story.
Bad points
My only complaint is that their relationship is a little
irregular at times. At some points the
two of them seem to be getting on swimmingly but then all of a sudden they are
at each other’s necks and they seem to have to start all over again in order to
regain each other’s trust.
Summary
This is a really wonderful story about how an unexpected
friendship can change people for the better. My only complaint is that I would have liked a
little more consistency in Billy and Dane’s friendship.
Rating = 4 stars.
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