The Vacation

Ellie Contursi is a children’s librarian at the London Public Library.

Soon after Henry turns 12, his mother decides that she wants to become a
missionary in Africa. Henry’s father is coerced into going with her
against his better judgment. Henry is left in the care of his two
strange aunts, Pigg and Magnolia. But things get worse. Magnolia
contracts a bizarre disease. While recuperating, she decides that she
hasn’t seen enough of the world and plans a road trip for everyone to
go on. Their first stop is Virginia Beach, which turns out to be too
hot, too sandy, and too windy. The next stop is a camping trip in the
Florida Everglades, which results in Henry getting lost for several days
on a swampy river. After that excitement, the aunts decide to visit
their father, whom Henry has never met. During a brief stop in Oklahoma,
Pigg meets a cowboy and falls in love.

For most of the trip Henry, has worried about his parents and their
failing relationship, and struggled with his aunts’ annoying
behaviour. When he is finally reunited with parents, safe and sound,
they inform him that their marriage has even further deteriorated and
that he has to come to terms with that.

The Vacation is basically a well-written story about an eccentric
family; however, it would have benefited from a less abrupt and
unsatisfying ending. Recommended with reservations.