Sadie Hoagland’s debut novel, Strange Children, explores the lives of eight young narrators as they navigate between two contrasting worlds. Some find themselves in a modern American city filled with fast food, violence, and consumerism. Others belong to the small desert town of Redfield, characterized by its serene landscapes, traditional values, and religious beliefs (reminiscent of polygamist Mormons to many readers).
The focal points of the novel are Emma, a devout twelve-year-old, and Jeremiah, a reserved sixteen-year-old. Their brief romance leads to Jeremiah’s banishment from the community and Emma’s subsequent marriage to Jeremiah’s father. The story follows Jeremiah’s struggles in the outside world and the changing dynamics within Redfield as faith in their leader, “the Prophet,” wavers.
A standout feature of the book is Hoagland’s rich and expressive writing style that guides readers through the characters’ inner thoughts and revelations, unraveling the plot through personal confessions. An example of this can be seen in Annalue’s profound monologue at the end of chapter two, showcasing the internal conflicts and challenges faced by the residents of Redfield.
While Jeremiah’s narrative is told in the third person, his experiences in a tumultuous boys’ home and his ill-fated relationship with Haley drive the story forward. Emma emerges as a central figure whose unwavering faith in the Prophet shapes the narrative in unexpected ways.
Hoagland delves into the harsh realities of life in Redfield and the city, highlighting the struggles faced by the characters as they confront societal norms and personal dilemmas. The novel’s exploration of displacement, crumbling communities, and the search for identity resonates throughout the story.
Through evocative prose, Hoagland transports readers to unfamiliar settings, painting a vivid picture of Redfield and the characters’ inner turmoil as they seek solace and understanding in a rapidly changing world.
