Fair Has Nothing to Do with It (review)

Twelve-year-old Michael has been looking forward to the family's annual visit to his grandparents' farm and, especially, time spent alone with his grandfather, but the family arrives at the farm only to learn that Grandpa has just died of a heart attack. A grieving Michael finds refuge in anger, refusing to participate in the funeral proceedings or to talk about how he feels. After the family returns to the city, Michael begins to take drawing lessons from Mr. Andrews, a retired art teacher, in exchange for yard work. This begins a friendship that has a strong impact on Michael, especially when he learns that Mr. Andrews has cancer; Michael is thus able to have a second chance at addressing his emotions and at experiencing the grieving process that he largely avoided with his own grandfather's death. Ultimately, this explains the emotional life of a preteen boy who needs men in his life and who resents their absence: Michael's relationship with his father is punctuated by disappointment, his relationship with Grandpa is strong but ends suddenly, and while Mr. Andrews has a great deal to offer, Michael is hesitant to get too close. The subject is a poignant one, and Michael's reaction to his situation is understandable. However, the story is purposive, and Michael is a largely unlikable character, relentlessly focused on his own perceived victimization and indifferent to the needs or feelings of others, though this portrayal is somewhat redeemed in the novel's conclusion, wherein Michael finally musters his strength to face Mr. Andrews. Those willing to see Michael through to the end might just find themselves identifying with his reluctant grieving process.