Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Test Pattern
Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Marjorie Klein
Class/Genre: SF AND Fantasy
Morrow, Mar 2000, $25.00, 288 pp.
In 1954, Lorena and Pete Palmer buy their first TV set. Lorena is excited, but Pete is simply tired. Their eleven-year old daughter Cassandra seems hypnotized by even the test pattern that she swears has many shows in color. Cassie sees all sorts of future TV shows and news when the test pattern is on the picture tube, but everyone else sees the boring test pattern.
The TV shows encourage Lorena to dance. She tells Pete she wants to professionally dance, but he scoffs at her. She is hurt and welcomes a chance to make love with veteran Binky Quisenberry, the mail clerk. However, on the test pattern’s future news, Cassie sees her mother kill her father. The eleven-year old girl knows she must somehow intervene and saves his life because the test pattern tells the future.
TEST PATTERN is an entertaining Twilight Zone like tale that compares the early days of TV innocence to later decades that show all. Though not for everyone, the well-written story line is weird but intriguing. Lorena and Pete are an interesting couple whose relationship seems dysfunctional even before the TV moves in and takes over their home. Cassie is a wonderful guide whose innocence contrasts with all the future bippys she sees inside the test pattern. Marjorie Klein has written an eerie tale that will elate fans that enjoy their novels to be a bit off center.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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