The Tragedy Paper

A classic love triangle, a marked man, literary references, and boarding school traditions permeate LaBan's debut novel. Duncan, a senior who has just transferred to Irving School, receives a gift from Tim, the senior who lived in his room last year--a set of CDs documenting Tim's version of a tragic event Duncan was a part of. The dual narrative-- Tim's story through the CDs and Duncan's in current time-- is an interesting premise, though it's sometimes difficult to follow. Narrators Nick Chamian and Jesse Bernstein sound too similar in their deliveries. Their even-toned, unembellished reading may or may not play into the novel's theme. An air of mystery prevails, yet few clues are provided, and it's a waiting game to the revelation of the tragedy. E.A.B. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

November 19, 2012
The legend of a curse “that every year a senior would leave for some unforeseen reason” provides an eerie backdrop to this story set at Irving, a prestigious, tradition-laden boarding school. Foreshadowing and dramatic tension build through alternating, parallel narratives of two seniors in consecutive years, as details of a tragedy involving both boys gradually unfold. Duncan, occupying a room previously inhabited by recent graduate Tim, inherits Tim’s CD recordings describing “the words, the music, my downfall, as well as your perceived or actual role in it.” Tim’s first-person voice is a compelling combination of compassion and analysis, revealing his lifelong challenge of albinism, the unexpected romantic triangle he enters into, and choices that set in motion unfortunate events. Narrative transitions to Duncan’s third-person viewpoint are occasionally jarring; like Duncan, readers will likely find Tim’s senior year trials more interesting. As the relationship between the two characters becomes clearer, however, Duncan’s tale conveys greater dramatic resonance. A playful element infuses the story as tragic themes described in English class play out in the characters’ dramas, adding texture to this strong debut. Ages 12–up. Agent: Uwe Stender, TriadaUS Literary Agency.