Amaryllis.

Abstract

With letters from his brother and a narrative describing his own feelings, fifteen-year-old Jimmy tells about his home life, and his brother, Frank, fighting in Viet Nam and eventually being reported Missing in Action. Their alcoholic father is emotionally and physically abusive. Their mother denies the situation, so the brothers turn to each other. As surfers, they focus on the Amaryllis, a ship that runs aground on Singer Island, Florida, during a 1965 hurricane. The ship becomes a metaphor for Frank’s life as the war and personal demons overwhelm Frank. His letters reveal his fear, state his views of the war, and describe his drug use. When the announcement of Frank’s disappearance arrives, the father realizes that he drove Frank out of the house. Jimmy’s girlfriend helps Jimmy achieve closure. Some language and situations may be considered controversial.