Dear Norman

“Dear Norman” is another wonderful story by Robert Richard. It is written in a very unusual and extraordinary manner. The plot itself consists of the letters, which fulfill all the necessary parts of the story. The epistolary genre contributes to the deeper understanding of the conflict by the demonstration of the thoughts and feelings of the every character of the story. The writer sets a common family situation which captivates the reader’s attention. Despite the fact we have no possibility to read Norman’s responses, they are not necessary, as Norman’s feelings are clear through the letters which we can observe. Moreover, I think that the absence of his letters gives the opportunity to the reader to imagine his own variant of the replies. I think that the story contains both external conflict – between parents and a child, and internal one – between the good and the bad boy in Norman’s soul. Robert Richard’s language is humorous, witty and amusing. Speaking about characters, I do appreciate Norman’s parents’ behavior. I think that they have taken up the most accurate position to bring their son back. And, generally, most of the characters arouse up liking to them. Norman, despite his teenage offences, tries to overcome his egoism and to have negotiations with his parents. Beth, his younger sister, to my mind, loves his brother despite all the competitions between them and even finds forces to confess to Norman that she misses him. Norman’s teacher is a real professional, who knows the approach to children. And, finally, Norman’s grandmother is just an old forgotten woman who anyway loves her children and grandchildren and tries to keep in touch with them. I think that this story is worth reading it.