User:Falco Little/Draft of Summer of my German solider

Plot

A new POW Camp is being established in the area (1). As the Nazis get off of the train Patty wonders whether the Nazis are truly as fierce as they are portrayed with their powerless looks, sad faces, and standard clothing (3). Patty then goes over to her parents department store where she tells her father that one of the Nazis attempted to escape (17). That Sunday her family goes to visit her mothers side of the family (19). Here you meet the other members of their family including her grandparents. Rebelling against her mothers instructions, Patty accepts money from her grandmother. The next day Patty is working at her parents department store. The POWs arrive to buy hats to keep them from fainting in the Arkansas sun (33). Anton, the English speaking Nazi, buys a pencil sharpener, stationary and a diamond pin from Patty (38).

Patty heads over to Memphis to visit her grandparents. (99) Patty spends time with her loving grandmother shopping, walking, and spending her money on items. One Saturday Patty got a chance to work at the shop. (61) Her father was pleased to hear news about the on going war. Since her father praised her she got greedy and "wanted [mom] to be pleased with her too" (63). Her mom sends her over to Miss Reeves "from the beauty parlor." (64) Patty asks her mother "please for once in your life listen to me." (64) Miss. Reeves tells Patty that she is "Messing up something beautiful."(69) Anton escapes and Patty brings him food.

Patty Bergen has the guilt of hiding a POW that she believes she loves. She is lying to her family and government. "Well, this might be the same prisoner I waited on." (87) she said when asked if she had seen the POW, Anton Rieker. While investigation the escape of Anton, FBI workers and reporters swarmed the little Arkansas town like bees. Among these people was Charlene Madlee, the reporter that would inspire Patty to do something big, but maybe not being a journalist like Charlene. "A journalists life might be fun but fun, like champagne bubbles, can't completely fill you up." (99) Anton and Patty continue tying their bond tighter by sitting in her garage and just talking (insert stuff already on page) Teaching her about words, teaching him about something deeper, emotions. Ruth discovers Anton, but decides that she will keep it a secret "No, Ruth, I'm telling you Yes [sic]. Yes, he's the one." (112) Patty is learning though that perhaps, true love can be the strongest determining factor in even the roughest situations.

After finding out about Anton, Ruth decides she must meet him. Before Anton left, he gave Patty with a golden ring "this ring was made by Germany's best goldsmith." (134) Being herself she wanted to tell someone, so she told Sister Parker who immediately grew suspicious. He told her uptight father who believed her made up story. The sheriff was immediately called and decided that is was an overreaction. He believed her story about the old man giving it to her, but didn't think like her dad that he touched her. Patty's father was not so content with the conclusion that nothing inappropriate happened "No, I'm not satisfied. I'm a long way from being satisfied." (147) Later, two FBI agents went to the Bergen home to question Patty. They press her until she cracked. They tell her that Anton was killed while trying to escape. She just lost her innocence and best friend.

Harry Bergen Patty's father calls their lawyer in Memphis to help defend Patty. (159) Mr. Bergen started yelling Patty for helping a "God damn Nazi". (160) Ruth tries to defend Patty and ends up getting fired. (161) She heads for Memphis the next day and gets harassed by the towns people. (165) Charlene comes over and brings some good news about Patty's case. (168)

Chapter 19 begins with Patty riding "along the Highway rows of never-been-painted tenant shacks" (170) in Calvin Grimes car (170). Mr. Grimes stops at a diner for some food (173). He is not supposed to do that though which shows he understands what Patty is going through (174). The place where Patty is going to is the Jasper E. Conrad Arkansas Reformatory for Girls (178). 32 days later Patty begins to wonder if she will ever be able to talk to Antons parents. Then Patty remembers what Charlene did to help Patty after and during the trial. Then Ruth Arrives they talk about how things are going back in Jenkisville. Ruth gives Patty some fried chicken and Antons's ring back. Once Ruth leaves the book ends with Patty wondering what will happen to her next.

Characters

Major

Ruth

The Bergen's black maid who takes care of Patty and Sharon. She is very caring of Patty and is the most influential person in her adolescence. Patty's best friend.

Minor

Charlene Madlee

A reporter and a friend of Patty's. Patty admires her works. Tells Patty her charges near the end of the book.

Sister Parker

Works at the department store, was there when Anton first came in. The person Patty goes to when Anton gives her the golden ring. Tells Mr. Bergen about the ring after her suspicion grows.

Calvin Grimes

Calvin Grimes: The man in charge of driving Patty to the Reformatory. Mr. Grimes is a kind man who is sympathetic towards Patty.

Sheriff Caudwell

The town sheriff who is called when Mr. Bergen believes someone touched Patty. Also, helps with town investigations.

Themes

Bette Greene expresses many themes in this novel. This includes prejudice against German soldiers. Many of the townspeople were prejudiced against Anton. Another theme is pride and self-esteem. Patty's self-esteem increased throughout the book. As she grows to learn more about Anton her self-esteem grows. Racism gets greatly expressed throughout the book. Ruth and many other blacks in town have jobs as servants for white families.

Adaptations

In 1978 Summer of my German Soldier was made into a for TV movie. That meant it was only shown on TV, and it was never seen in theaters. It was fairly well received winning one Emmy, being nominated for another, and winning a Humanitis award. Patty was played by Kristy McNichols and Anton was played by Bruce Davidson. Bruce Davidson later acted in many different movies and recently has had cameos in many different TV shows like CSI, Ghost Whisperer, and Numb3rs.

Reception

Bette Greene is a well established author who has won many awards for her classic novels. The Summer of my German Soldier has won ALA Notable Book along with New York Times Book of the Year (1973) and National Book Award Finalist. Her work is described as "courageous and compelling." by publishers weekly. She is known for her writing and deep emotion it brings out.