But while it is the basic premise of the plot, it is also not the central point. This is not a spoiler it is the guaranteed outcome of the narrative situation Buffie constructs so deftly. Eventually, not surprisingly, Tim can take no more and leaves. Here, Buffie’s ability at characterization shines, for Lizzie, Evan, and Tim are all presented in honest human terms: no sugar coating to Evan’s rudeness or Lizzie’s self-centred attempts to sabotage Tim’s positive contributions. Her mother has recently remarried, and Lizzie and Evan both actively reject Tim, the new husband, and his legitimate attempts to both fit in to and help the family. Lizzie’s dad has left them, which is difficult for the whole family, but especially for her annoying older brother, Evan. Her characters are so real, in both their flaws and their strengths that we implicitly trust in the truth of the narrative, and I at least want to travel with the characters for quite a while longer. For, once again, Margaret Buffie has created a novel in which there are no solid answers in the end, only hope and promise. What is it about Lizzie? Why, out of all of the marvellous protagonists that YA literature contains, does Lizzie captivate me? Every time I read Who is Frances Rain?-and this is the fourth time-I want to know more of Lizzie’s story: I want to see how her final years of highschool progress I want to know (despite statistics regarding the permanency of highschool romances) more about her relationship with Alex I want to follow her on the rocky road that the next few years will be.

Who is frances rain by margaret buffie