Dither Farm: A Novel - Hardcover

Henry Dither and his wife Clementine are introduced during their comic, yokel-style courtship, but most of the events here take place years later, when a visit from Great-aunt Emma--a remarkable lady who arrives by magic carpet--precipitates a summer of extraordinary events involving the four Dithers children and a large cast of colorful Virginia neighbors. Aunt Emma departs on mysterious business with high-ranking connections in Washington; in her absence, Matilda and little Archibald cleverly work out the carpet's secret and are spied on a trial flight by ne'er-do-wells who kidnap Archibald, hoping to get the carpet. A satisfying finale involves a rescue, several affectionate matches, and even a Fourth of July parade. Like Byars's Blossom books, here's a lively farce populated with pungently realized characters whose interrelated adventures are briskly presented in a kaleidoscope of scenes. Hite's language, a deft mix of colloquial, satirical, and philosophical, is delightfully intelligent and witty; he piles on adroitly chosen detail and incidents that enliven the texture but never slow his story. A grand readaloud with broad age appeal. (Fiction. 10+) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Grade 6-8-- Set in easygoing, rural Willow County, Virginia, the saga of the Dither family begins with the courtship of Clementine and Henry and continues through the adventures of their four children. There are stuffy government investigations into the paranormal, a life-threatening flood, a death-defying illness, a flying carpet, a kidnapping, and romances for all ages. In fact, the plot is rather busy at times, as if several novels have been less-than-satisfyingly combined into one. For readers who persevere, there are rewards. Chuckles will abound over the interaction of an idiotic sheriff and a White House ``smoothie.'' The humble bumblings of two kidnappers are entertaining. And the details of carpet flying are credible enough. Hite has also captured something essentially southern in a setting dripping with both humidity and detail. His characters demonstrate that country folk have their own vision and pace, and are right on target. Overall, this is a flawed but unusual tale that could generate discussion on everything from the nature of time to the mores of rural society.
- Cindy Darling Codell, Clark Middle School, Winchester, KY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.