Tangerine⁚ A Novel of Family, Identity, and Resilience
Tangerine is a young adult novel by Edward Bloor, published in 1997 by Harcourt. The story follows Paul Fisher, a legally blind boy, and his family as they move from Houston, Texas to Lake Windsor Downs in Tangerine, Florida. Paul struggles to adjust to his new home and the challenges of being different. This novel explores themes of disabilities, bullying, discrimination, the environment, and courage.
Introduction
Tangerine, a captivating young adult novel by Edward Bloor, delves into the complexities of family dynamics, identity, and resilience through the lens of a young boy’s journey. Set in the vibrant but often challenging environment of Tangerine County, Florida, the story revolves around Paul Fisher, a legally blind boy who navigates the world with a unique perspective. Paul’s experiences, shaped by his disability and the societal expectations he faces, form the heart of the narrative.
Bloor’s masterful storytelling draws readers into a world where seemingly ordinary events become catalysts for profound personal growth. The novel explores themes of acceptance, discrimination, and the power of individual courage in the face of adversity. Through its compelling characters and thought-provoking storyline, Tangerine offers a powerful and insightful exploration of the human condition, leaving a lasting impact on readers of all ages.
Plot Summary
The Fisher family, including Paul, his football-star older brother Erik, and their parents, relocate from Houston, Texas to Tangerine, Florida. Paul struggles to adapt to the new environment, facing bullying due to his blindness and navigating the competitive atmosphere of his new school. The family faces challenges as they grapple with the environmental issues plaguing Tangerine, including underground fires and a mysterious series of lightning strikes.
The story unfolds as Paul becomes increasingly aware of the dangers lurking beneath the surface of his seemingly idyllic new home. He begins to uncover secrets about his family, including his brother’s involvement in a series of incidents, and the true nature of their move to Tangerine. As Paul confronts these challenges, he discovers his own resilience and learns to navigate the complexities of family relationships and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Major Themes
Tangerine delves into several significant themes that resonate with young adult readers. The novel explores the complexities of family relationships, particularly the dynamics between siblings, as Paul and Erik navigate their contrasting personalities and ambitions. It also highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, as Paul confronts prejudice and learns to embrace his unique perspective.
Furthermore, Tangerine addresses the issues of bullying and discrimination, showcasing the devastating impact of these behaviors on individuals and the community. The novel also emphasizes environmental concerns, with the recurring motif of underground fires symbolizing the hidden dangers and consequences of human actions. Throughout the story, themes of courage, resilience, and the power of individual action emerge as Paul confronts adversity and fights for what he believes in.
Disabilities and Acceptance
Tangerine poignantly explores the challenges and triumphs of living with a disability. Paul Fisher, the protagonist, navigates a world that often fails to accommodate his visual impairment. He experiences prejudice and misunderstanding from those who don’t understand his condition. However, Paul’s resilience and determination shine through as he refuses to be defined by his disability. He embraces his unique perspective and finds ways to thrive despite the obstacles he faces. The novel emphasizes the importance of empathy and acceptance, urging readers to see beyond superficial differences and recognize the inherent worth of every individual.
Bullying and Discrimination
Bullying and discrimination are prominent themes in Tangerine, serving as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by those who are different. Paul, with his visual impairment, becomes a target for bullies who exploit his vulnerability. The novel exposes the destructive nature of prejudice, showcasing how easily it can escalate into violence and cruelty. It also highlights the devastating impact of bullying on its victims, leaving them feeling isolated, insecure, and afraid. Through Paul’s experiences, Bloor encourages readers to confront their own biases and advocate for a more inclusive and accepting society.
Sibling Rivalry
Sibling rivalry is a central conflict in Tangerine, adding another layer of complexity to Paul’s already challenging life. His older brother, Erik, is a star football player, enjoying the admiration and attention that Paul craves. This creates a dynamic of competition and resentment, as Paul struggles to find his own identity and place in the family. Bloor masterfully portrays the emotional rollercoaster of sibling rivalry, showcasing both the intense love and fierce competition that can exist between brothers. Through their contrasting personalities and ambitions, the novel explores the complexities of family dynamics and the search for individual fulfillment.
Environmental Concerns
Tangerine subtly weaves environmental concerns into the narrative, highlighting the impact of human actions on the natural world. The novel features recurring imagery of fire, both literal and metaphorical, reflecting the destructive potential of unchecked development and disregard for the environment. The setting of Tangerine County, Florida, with its mysterious underground fires and recurring lightning strikes, serves as a backdrop for exploring the fragile balance between human progress and the preservation of nature. This theme adds a layer of complexity to the story, prompting readers to consider the consequences of their choices and the importance of environmental responsibility.
Courage and Resilience
Tangerine is a story about overcoming adversity and finding strength in the face of challenges. Paul Fisher, despite his visual impairment, demonstrates remarkable courage and resilience throughout the novel. He navigates the complexities of his new environment, confronts bullying and discrimination, and stands up for what he believes in; His journey underscores the importance of inner strength, self-acceptance, and the ability to persevere through difficult circumstances. Tangerine encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities, find their own path, and never give up on their dreams, even when faced with obstacles.
Characters
Tangerine features a cast of characters that are both relatable and complex. Paul Fisher, the protagonist, is a young boy with a visual impairment who faces challenges related to his disability and his new environment. His older brother, Erik, is a star football player who embodies the ideals of popularity and athletic prowess, but struggles with his own insecurities. The Fisher family, including their parents and younger sister, navigate the challenges of relocation, sibling rivalry, and the complexities of raising a child with disabilities. The novel also features a diverse cast of supporting characters, including friends, classmates, and community members, each with their own unique perspectives and experiences.
Paul Fisher
Paul Fisher is the protagonist of Tangerine, a 12-year-old boy who wears thick glasses due to his legal blindness. He is often the target of bullying and prejudice because of his disability, but he is also a sensitive and observant character who sees the world differently than others. He enjoys playing soccer and is passionate about the environment, He struggles to find his place in his new school and community, but he eventually finds strength and resilience in his own unique perspective. Paul’s journey highlights the challenges of navigating societal expectations, prejudice, and self-acceptance, while also demonstrating the power of individuality and empathy.
Erik Fisher
Erik Fisher is Paul’s older brother and a star football player at Lake Windsor Downs High School. He is popular, athletic, and seemingly confident, but he struggles with the pressure to live up to his family’s expectations and the demands of his sport. Erik often clashes with Paul, both physically and emotionally, and his actions sometimes contribute to the bullying Paul experiences. He is initially portrayed as self-centered and oblivious to his brother’s struggles, but he eventually begins to understand the impact of his behavior and develops a deeper relationship with Paul. Erik’s character arc explores the themes of sibling rivalry, the pressure to conform to societal norms, and the importance of empathy and understanding.
The Fisher Family
The Fisher family is at the heart of Tangerine, navigating the complexities of their new life in Lake Windsor Downs. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, are portrayed as loving but sometimes misguided, struggling to understand and support their sons’ individual needs. Their focus on Erik’s athletic achievements often overshadows Paul’s struggles. Their relationship with Paul is strained by his disability and their lack of understanding of his perspective. The family’s dynamics, particularly the rivalry between Erik and Paul, highlight the challenges of communication and acceptance within a family unit, especially when dealing with disability, bullying, and societal expectations. The Fisher family serves as a microcosm of broader societal themes, exploring the importance of empathy, understanding, and family unity in a world that often prioritizes appearances and external successes.
Other Characters
Beyond the immediate Fisher family, Tangerine is populated by a diverse cast of characters who contribute to the novel’s complex tapestry of themes. There’s Erik’s best friend, Mike Costello, who embodies the pressures of high school popularity and athletic achievement, often acting as a foil to Paul’s experiences. Then there’s Tino, the mysterious and enigmatic soccer player who becomes Paul’s confidante, representing a contrasting perspective on success and belonging. Other notable characters include Mr. and Mrs. Fisher’s neighbors, the Riddle family, whose own struggles with societal expectations and the pressures of conformity add another layer to the novel’s exploration of identity and community. These characters, both major and minor, contribute to the richness of Tangerine‘s narrative, creating a dynamic and complex world that reflects the realities of navigating adolescence, disability, and societal pressures.
Setting
Tangerine, Florida serves as the primary setting for Edward Bloor’s novel. The town, with its humid climate, lush greenery, and the looming presence of underground fires, becomes a symbol of the unseen forces that shape the lives of the characters. The Fishers’ new home, situated in a suburban neighborhood, contrasts sharply with the natural landscape, reflecting the tensions between development and the environment. The Tangerine High School, where Erik excels in football and Paul struggles to find his place, becomes a microcosm of high school life, with its social hierarchies, athletic pressures, and the constant struggle for acceptance. The recurring motif of lightning strikes, often targeting the school’s football field, adds a sense of unforeseen and uncontrollable forces at play. Bloor’s detailed descriptions of the setting contribute to the novel’s atmosphere of mystery, suspense, and the inevitable confrontation with the unknown.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, Tangerine garnered widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers lauded Bloor’s ability to craft a compelling story that resonated with young readers. The novel’s exploration of complex themes such as disability, bullying, and environmental concerns was praised for its sensitivity and relevance. Many critics highlighted the strength of the character development, particularly the nuanced portrayal of Paul’s struggles with blindness and his search for self-acceptance. Tangerine was recognized for its realistic depiction of teenage life, capturing the challenges of navigating social pressures, sibling rivalry, and the search for identity. The novel’s thought-provoking themes and engaging narrative earned it a place on numerous reading lists and helped solidify its status as a modern classic in young adult literature.
Adaptations
The enduring popularity of Tangerine has led to its adaptation into various formats. While no official film adaptation has yet materialized, the novel’s compelling narrative and relatable characters have attracted interest from filmmakers. In 2021, it was reported that Scarlett Johansson was set to star in a film adaptation of Tangerine, a thriller novel by Christine Mangan, which shares the same title but is not related to Bloor’s work. This news sparked renewed interest in Bloor’s Tangerine, highlighting its potential for cinematic translation. Furthermore, the novel has been adapted into a play, allowing audiences to experience the story in a new and immersive way. The play retains the essence of the novel, exploring the themes of family, identity, and resilience through live performance.
Where to Find the Book
Tangerine is widely available in various formats, making it accessible to readers of all preferences. Physical copies can be found in bookstores, both online and brick-and-mortar, allowing for a traditional reading experience. For those who prefer digital formats, Tangerine is readily available as an e-book on platforms like Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Kobo. Furthermore, libraries often have copies of Tangerine available for borrowing, offering a cost-effective way to enjoy the story. The novel’s popularity extends to online platforms like the Internet Archive, where digital copies can be accessed for free. These diverse options ensure that readers can easily find and immerse themselves in the compelling narrative of Tangerine.
Tangerine stands as a compelling and thought-provoking young adult novel that resonates with readers of all ages. Edward Bloor masterfully weaves together themes of family, identity, and resilience, creating a story that is both heartwarming and challenging. The novel’s exploration of disability, bullying, and environmental concerns offers valuable insights into the complexities of navigating adolescence and the importance of finding one’s own voice. Through Paul Fisher’s journey, readers are encouraged to embrace their differences, find strength in adversity, and stand up for what they believe in. Tangerine remains a powerful and enduring work of fiction, leaving a lasting impression on those who journey through its pages.