Set in a North Dakota nursing home, MIND'S EYE tells the story of a 16-year-old paraplegic and her 88-year-old roommate, who, together, transcend their physical limitations by taking an imaginary journey through Italy. After a riding accident leaves her paralyzed, the shocked and embittered Courtney finds herself in a nursing home. Her only company: Elva, a former teacher; Mae, a woman afflicted with Alzheimers, and a broken television. In the game of life, Elva's eyes have failed her, Mae's mind has failed her, and, most tragically of all, Courtney's teenage body has failed her.

Reluctant and filled with self-pity, Courtney at first resists Elva's lively attempts to draw her into conversation. Elva --- a former teacher --- constantly reminds Courtney that the only way she can overcome her physical limitations is to develop her mind. She says, "You, my girl, must be your own Scheherazade. You must keep yourself alive," and "You'll have to spend hours on your mind, not your hair." So, when she suggests they take a trip through Italy using their minds and a 1910 Baedeker guidebook, Courtney begrudgingly accepts.

In the company of Elva's deceased artist husband, the two of them embark on their grand tour of turn-of-the-century Italy. Courtney supplies the details, read from the guidebook, and Elva provides the narration as they travel from Naples to Rome to Florence. Elva's lyrical narration is filled with literary references, poetic utterances, and poignant memories of days gone by. For Courtney, their imaginary journey is much more than an escape into art, fantasy, and memory. It brings her face to face with her dark despair, her need for revenge, and her overwhelming need for love.

A celebration of mind and spirit, MIND'S EYE is told almost entirely in dialogue and, once again, demonstrates Paul Fleischman's considerable talent for creating convincing dialogue perfect for reading aloud.

  --- Reviewed by Tammy L. Currier

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