It's the summer of 1963 and North's parents have taken off for Europe, dumping her with her cousin Dee's family at Glass Lake. But it isn't. Dee's father, Uncle Judd, a plastic surgeon who exhales a boozy odor of well-fed ruthlessness, sneaks into North's room at night. He also cajoles her into going for rides in his Stingray and, between kisses and threats, photographs her in compromising ways.
North grasps wildly for a tactful means of escape.
Jackie would know what to do. In ''Oh, Jackie'' Maudy Benz, an editor, writer and performance artist, tells North's story with tenderness and impressive control. The dancing surfaces of sports cars and lake water, the clink of a highball glass in Uncle Judd's sweaty hand, make the novel buzz with tension.