Unseen Companion by Denise Gosliner Orenstein

Orenstein, Denise Gosliner, Unseen Companion, Harpercollins, 2003. 349 pages. Ages 14-18. ISBN: 0-06-052056-6

Unseen Companion is a complex young adult novel that takes place in 1968-69 Bethel, Alaska. Dove Alexie, a teenage boy of mixed Native blood turns up bloody and beaten in jail in Bethel. When he mysteriously disappears, he affects the lives of four teenagers: Lorraine is a Southern transplant who is obsessed with clothes and beauty magazines. Annette is the minister's daughter, hiding her "sins" from a controlling father, and working with a leering sheriff at the jail. Thelma Cooke and Edgar Kwagley are orphans, first going to school at Mount Edgecumbe, and later moved to the children's receiving home in Bethel. Each of the teenagers has a troubled life, and each, in his or her own voice, explains the relationship with the mysterious Dove Alexie. The book jacket's illustrations imply that the four teenagers gravitate around Dove with the metaphor of planets around the sun. The book is pervaded by an on-going undertone of sexuality and suspense, and attempts to develop the theme of finding oneself in a harsh world.

1. Is the story free of negative stereotypes, false language, comic or crass illustrations and other demeaning stereotypes that would embarrass or shame an Alaskan indigenous child?
All of the teenagers in the story have painful lives. If a Native teenager were reading this, she would probably see the Native characters as desperate as the others, but would feel uncomfortable with such demeaning terms "half-breed." Stereotypes of poverty and cultural dissolution such as swearing, underage drinking, smoking and doing drugs abound. Two Native teenagers are abused by white adults, one sexually and one physically. Unfortunately, the teenagers speak of themselves and each other in such negative, demeaning and stereotypical terms that the book is painful to read from cover to cover. The story made me uncomfortable even though I am not similar to any of its characters. Plus, the story makes Alaska sound like an awful place to live.

2. Does the story help the reader develop understanding about the human condition? Is it good literature?
The story is supposed to help a teenage reader confront teenage problems: sexuality, racism, hopelessness, loneliness and helplessness. I personally did not find solace in the story or its resolution; however, outside reviewers proclaim it a masterpiece. John Haines, Alaskan poet, calls the book "a deeply satisfying tale, one to think about and treasure." The story is complex and begs for discussion with other readers.

3. Does the story show geography, history, culture and spirituality accurately?
Geography is accurate, as are historical details such as life at Mount Edgecumbe and Bethel. The culture that is depicted is the underside of both Native and white communities. Unfortunately for the many teenagers in the story, their spirituality is not called upon, nor are their elders present to give them guidance.

4. How does the language enhance the story?
The writing is good. The voices are distinct. The voice of Lorraine is funny: she is southern, and obsessed with beauty, charm and other aspects of 1960's "femininity." She constantly quotes women's magazines. The other teenagers swear, talk pejoratively about each other, and show their angst through their narratives.

5. Does the story develop a range of characters?
The four teen characters are well developed, and a phantom version of Dove Alexie is developed through their narratives. Each character has good and bad qualities. The adults in the story are similarly well developed. Two adult males prey on teenage girls in the story.

6. Will young people want to read or listen to this story?
The story is very complex, even for me. A teenager would need to be persistent and very well read to make it through the 350 pages without becoming depressed by the situations, or turned off by the complexity and length of the story. I highly doubt that many teenagers would make it through the book.

7. Are the author and/or illustrator qualified to make this book? Are appropriate attributions made to the source of the story?
Denise Gosliner Orenstein lived in Alaska and claims to have taught in 14 Alaskan villages. She currently lives and teaches literature in Washington D.C. Her previous novel, Where the Wind Blows Hard, is about a Southeast Alaska village. Years ago when I read it, I had a similar response as I did to this book: I felt uncomfortable with the portrait it painted of people living in Alaska.

8. Does the story give children or young people something important to think and talk about?
If a group of teenagers could manage to read this book, it would provide hours of discussion. I would hope that any discussion would involve a helping adult who could guide the discussion in a nurturing way. The book could open up many of the most critical issues young people face.

9. Does the local Native community approve of the telling of this story?
No mention is made of approval by any community. This is not a Native story; it's a story about a group of young people who all find themselves in Bethel. If I lived in Bethel, I would be sickened by the story.

10. Would you recommend this book for children or young adults? What place would it have in the home, classroom or library?
I would not choose this one for my home, classroom or library. I would not recommend this book except to adults who wish to explore it. If purchased for a public library, I would place it in the adult section due to its difficulty.

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