A Corner of the Universe

A Corner of the Universe

by Ann M. Martin

When you think you know everything in your life, guess what: you may not.  So goes the story of Hattie Owen, who, at the age of twelve, learns she has an uncle, Adam, whom she never knew existed.  So begins the summer of 1960 in Ann M. Martin’s book, A Corner of the Universe.  Hattie’s family takes in boarders as their primary source of income while her father works as an artist. Hattie helps with small tasks around the house, engaging with her housemates each day, which adds to the intrigue in this novel.  Hattie overhears her mother speaking to her grandmother of some impending concern.  She suspects someone is very ill but is later told by her parents of Uncle Adam, a mentally challenged twenty-one-year-old who is returning home to live with her grandparents due to his school’s closure.  Hattie befriends him and the two become close, though his presence results in her being teased by classmates more so than before.  All of this occurs as the carnival comes to town where Hattie meets a new friend, Leila, the carnival owner’s niece. Adam’s behavior challenges Hattie’s grandparents, who try to contain his emotional swings.  Adam loves to wander through the neighborhood and eventually falls for Angel Valentine, one of the boarders in Hattie’s home.  Hattie’s birthday present, a free trip through the carnival with Leila, brings near tragedy when she sneaks Adam with her away from her grandparents’ house.  Adam joins the two girls on the rides, the food, and the shows, but trouble comes when the Ferris wheel breaks down.  Adam has a meltdown.  The two girls try to calm him down, but he attempts to leave the seat and almost falls to the ground as the police are called.  Hattie is later grounded for taking Adam out of the house.  The final event that changes the lives of all involved is when Adam brings flowers to Angel, the boarder.  He goes to her room, opens the door and finds her with her boyfriend in a very compromising position.  This enrages Adam, who runs away.  After a long search, Adam is found behind the house, having hung himself. 

Mental health issues are around all of us.  Hattie’s journey is one in which she befriends a family member she never knew, and it ends with her speaking at Adam’s funeral. She stood up against the intolerance shown towards Adam as a result of his mental illness, instead describing why he was such a good uncle, even though she hadn’t known him long.  This is a beautiful story with a message of love, acceptance and personal growth.  One never knows what can happen over a childhood summer vacation.  A great story for youth and anyone else who needs to see the power of love.