Fields, Terri. After the death of Anna Gonzales - Book Review

Kliatt, Nov, 2002 by Michele Winship

Henry Holt. 105p. c2002. 0-8050-7127-X. $16.95. JS

Another addition to the poetry novel genre, Fields' collection of voices centers on the suicide of Anna Gonzales and its aftermath among the students and staff of her high school. Each poem gives the reader a glimpse into the minds of those who are left questioning the sudden death of a person so young, in this case by her own hand. Some students only note Anna's death in passing, another event on the daily announcements; others express their own feelings of guilt or helplessness for not having noticed their friend's slide into "invisibility" or not having had the courage to make the first move toward friendship. The adults in the book, the principal, the teachers, and even the security guard, are profoundly affected by the seemingly senseless loss of life. The last person to speak is Anna herself. In her note, we find her reason for choosing to take her life. Her words strike deeply, reminding us that pain isn't always the result of hurtful actions; sometimes, it's the result of inaction and indifference. Fields creates a realistic and sensitive portrayal of a school community rocked by a tragedy that has become an all too-common event. Michele Winship, Asst. Prof., Capital Univ., Columbus, OH