Details

After analyzing the validity or invalidity of the stories Bernstein tells of the Lost Boys I began to think about how well I remember the details of "tragic" things that happened to me as a child. I thought back to when I was in fifth grade and got into a car accident. I don't remember much about the accident in particular. But I remember, very vividly, the paramedics handing me a huge white teddy bear. I could explain this part of the accident easily but I don't think I could explain the accident itself as well. I think this is evident in the novel as well. Throughout the different events, Bernstein includes minor details that seem to be irrelevant or unneeded. But I think that because Bernstein includes these details, the stories become more believable and more intimate. For example, on page 191 Bernstein includes Benson's minor obsession with smokers. Although this has no major effect on the stories, including it makes the story specific to Benson and the other Lost Boys. I think by allowing Benson to speak about the little details he so vividly remembers, Bernstein allows him to make the story his own and unique to Benson only. In addition, the titles of each section are something to pay attention to as well. Rather than naming the sections that which sum up the main idea, Bernstein makes the titles corresponding to the minor details each boy vividly remembers. For example, Benson's section from pages 262-269 is labeled "Everybody Except Cats and Chickens" but the main details of this section are about the hardships in Kakuma. The instance where "Everybody except cats and chickens" comes up, is but a minor detail amongst the main idea. But I think that because Benson specifically remembers this detail, Bernstein allows it to be the title of the section because it stuck out to Benson the most. Thus, making this section more intimate for Benson.

So, although we ridiculed Bernstein for her tampering with each story, I think it's also important to recognize the little things she did to personalize the stories for the boys. I found that by including minuscule details, I connected with the stories on a more intimate level.