Axelsson, Majgull. April witch, a novel.

Random House. 419p. c2002. 0-8129-6688-0. $12.95. A

Desiree Johanssen is the "April Witch," defined by Axelsson as a person with "a weak and disabled body but a very strong mind" (p.411). She was born brain damaged, which resulted in both epilepsy and paralysis. In a very short time, she suffered a serious case of jaundice that probably caused cerebral palsy. Desiree was considered by many to be "a deformed monstrosity." Her legs were locked into a fetal position while her head and arms were in constant spastic motion. She was able to communicate by puffing into a mouthpiece, which made text appear on a computer screen, and by using a partially functional left arm. She was physically impaired, yet mentally and emotionally responsive. As the story begins, Desiree has just sent disturbing letters to each of the three adopted girls, now women, who took her place in Ella Johanssen's home after she, Desiree, was placed in an institution shortly after birth. She wants to know which one is living the life she should have lived.

Another characteristic of an "April Witch" is her ability to travel and live briefly in the bodies of other animals or people, and it is in this way that Desiree learns about her "sisters" and "love." Desiree's dearest friend and confidant is Dr. Hubertsson, who not only recognized that while she had physical limitations she was not mentally retarded, but also made it possible for her to develop the life of her mind and feelings. As the life story of each "sister" unfolds--Christina, Margareta and Birgitta--Desiree receives different answers and insights from the ones she expects.

This book haunts the reader who, like Desiree, tries to unravel and analyze the levels of meaning in their stories--biographical, psychological, and social. In an interview following the story, Axelsson states that people are able to read her book in many different ways. "I have met people who have enjoyed it as pure entertainment, while others have seen it as an allegory of science and modern times, while others yet have focused on the issues of dignity and compassion or of motherhood and abandonment" (p. 412). April Witch is translated from the Swedish and in 1997 won the prestigious August Prize in Sweden. Susan Allison, Libn., Lewiston H.S., Lewiston, ME

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.