The Westing Game

I just finished reading The Westing Game, by Ellen Raskin. Matt recommended this one, but I've read it time and time again. I think the first time through, it gave me nightmares. Ever since that first read, though, I've tried to see if I can figure out the answer to Mr. Westing's game before the heirs. However, this is difficult since I already know a major piece of the puzzle. I've taken to reading it and trying to figure out who knew what. I debated taking notes or making a diagram this time around, but I decided against it. I just enjoyed reading.

There is one interesting thing about Ellen Raskin's writing style for The Westing Game. If you tried to define who's point of view it is written from, you'd have a great deal of trouble. Sometimes point of view seems to switch from sentence to sentence, however, it only creates planned confusion. Raskin wants the reader of the book to have to work at keeping track of what clues have been spilled and who suspects whom(?). Another great literary device that she uses is the unreliable narrator. In fact, there is rarely a fact told that the reader is absolutely certain to be true! It really makes for great twists in this mystery.