Adrift

Kristin Butcher writes novels for young adults. Her most recent works
are Cairo Kelly and the Mann, The Gamma War, and The Tomorrow Tunnel.

Fourteen-year-old David Garrett is miserable, and he has every right to
be. His mother is suffering from a debilitating depression that has torn
the family apart. Unable to cope with the situation, David’s father
has left the home, and it is David who must deal with his mother’s
lethargy and unhappiness, as well as with the daily chores and
responsibility of caring for his younger sister, Laura. It is a heavy
burden, and though David does his best to shoulder it, he resents both
his parents for putting him in that situation.

As summer vacation gets underway, David’s mother takes a turn for the
worse, and David’s father makes arrangements for David and Laura to
spend the summer in Desolation Sound, British Columbia, with their aunt.
Though David initially feels this is just one more in a series of
betrayals, the summer turns out to be just what all the Garretts need.
There is no fairytale ending to the family’s problems, but there is
hope, and in real life that is all one can expect.

In this, her second young-adult novel, Julie Burtinshaw has created a
wonderful read. There is adolescent angst, action, adventure, suspense,
and plenty of food for thought. David Garrett is a realistic and
sympathetic character in a credible, albeit regrettable, situation.
Burtinshaw engages readers on the very first page and holds them right
to the last sentence. Highly recommended.