Seventeen Against the Dealer
| Company type | Young adult novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Cynthia Voigt |
| Products | Book |
Seventeen Against the Dealer is a young adult novel authored by American writer Cynthia Voigt. It serves as the concluding volume in the seven-book Tillerman Cycle series.
Plot summary
The narrative of Seventeen Against the Dealer follows Dicey Tillerman at age 21, who has chosen to leave college despite having a scholarship, in order to establish a business crafting wooden sailboats. Dicey, the eldest among four siblings, previously embarked on a journey to Crisfield, Maryland, where they lived with their grandmother, Abigail "Gram" Tillerman; these earlier experiences are detailed in the preceding novels Homecoming, Dicey's Song, and Sons from Afar.
Returning figures in this story include Dicey's brothers and sisters: James (18), Maybeth (16), and Sammy (15); her boyfriend Jeff Greene (23); friend Mina Smiths (21); along with Gram. Set around the year 1986, the plot transpires within a short timeframe spanning from New Year's Eve through Valentine's Day.
At the beginning, Dicey has saved enough money from low-paying jobs in Annapolis and Crisfield to launch her boat-building enterprise. Her deepening involvement in her business causes tension with Jeff, who early on proposes marriage, seeking a deeper commitment than Dicey is prepared to offer. She encounters significant setbacks due to business missteps, including neglecting to insure her workshop equipment. Following a break-in that inflicts substantial damage she cannot recover from—even with Jeff’s assistance—Dicey falls victim to a swindler and is ultimately forced to shut down her shop. As she becomes more consumed by her work, her connections with family and friends weaken until Gram’s serious health crisis compels Dicey to reevaluate her life priorities.
The story also highlights the growth of Dicey’s siblings. James thrives academically at Yale but faces moral conflicts; he sustains close friendships and pursues his passion for chess. Maybeth shows social maturation despite academic challenges and confronts dangers reminiscent of their mother’s history. Sammy works part-time at a gas station, hones mechanical abilities, contributes toward buying the family car, and sets his sights on attending a tennis summer camp.
The Tillerman household transforms into a lively gathering place, illustrated by New Year's Day celebrations filled with family, friends, festive meals, and singing. Gram evolves from being reclusive to becoming a pivotal presence in these communal traditions.
Although the characters experience development throughout the novel, it ends without clear-cut resolutions. Several issues remain open-ended, such as how marriage might influence Dicey’s desire for independence and creative fulfillment through her work.