In 1987 AIDS was something to fear and be ashamed of. In fourteen year old June's family it isn't discussed even though her beloved Uncle Finn is dying of the disease. June's mother blames Finn's boyfriend, Toby, and won't allow him at the funeral. When Toby contacts June, they form a bond based on their sorrow over Finn's death. Each does not realize, Finn had given the other the task of taking care of one another. June's talented sister Greta was jealous of June's relationship with Finn and is equally jealous of her friendship with Toby. Greta is troubled in many ways and heading in a downward spiral. Soon the two girls seem to bond only through the portrait Finn made of them. In order for the lies to be revealed and the secrets to be told, the family must reveal their own emotions and weaknesses. But June still holds on to some of hers at the end. There is a lot happening in this story. While AIDS is the catalyst for the events, lies and secrets are the fuel. It's a well told tail about a scary era in recent history.
Linda's review.
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