Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Catherine Ryan Hyde has once again written a fabulous story in this novel, interwoven with all of her favourite pass times. It features two young boys, their alcoholic father and a recovering alcoholic who is a passer by who gets tricked into taking the two boys on an epic journey in a camper van, fulfilling a deep need for himself. It’s an absolute cracker of a story. August Schroeder, the passer by, is a teacher grieving for his 19-year-old son who died in an automobile accident while his mother, also a heavy drinker but just under the legal limit, was at the wheel. She walked away unhurt but deeply affected by the loss of her son. August had not taken a drink since Philip’s death, which ended his marriage. He had planned a holiday to Yellowstone with Philip but was now taking some of his ashes to be scattered in an act of remembrance. The camper van had broken down and Wes; the boy’s father was repairing his van. During the course of the repairs Wes asked Schroeder to do him a favour. He needed a minder for his two sons while he served a gaol sentence of 90 days. He asked Schroeder to take his boys with him for this trip of a lifetime in return for doing the repairs for free. It was the only way that August would be able to afford to complete the journey. The two boys were well behaved and friendly. After some careful thought August agreed, accepting a refund for the tow back to Wes’s yard and money for their keep. The three of them start off on their adventure as soon as the repairs are completed. The oldest son, Seth, aged twelve, was a lively and helpful lad, full of wonder at the natural world and enthusiastic about every new experience. The younger son, seven-year old Henry had been an elective mute since his father got out of gaol, but was no bother as Seth was a wonderful brother, speaking for him and looking after him cheerfully. The relationship between August and the two boys deepens, his kindness rewarded by their utmost respect. Catherine Ryan Hyde is so amazing about setting the scene. One of her great loves is hiking in God’s natural world. As the boys explore their new environments this love is reflected in their curiosity and questions of August, a Science teacher whose passion is travelling to see different wondrous areas. She develops the character of Seth with a photographer’s eye of capturing great scenic shots, just like she does herself. Her talent and expertise in characterisation leads the reader into heart-warming moments, with August trying to help the boys understand their father’s addictive actions and neglect as an illness that can be managed. He takes Seth to an open AA meeting, leaving Henry guarded by Woody, his rescue dog, who the boys come to love. Yes, Catherine is an animal lover and these scenes are just wonderful, helping the boys through their initial worries and homesickness. I was engrossed by the story development and I totally loved this stunning novel. I read it within a day and literally couldn’t stop turning the pages. Using her tried and tested methods to great effect Catherine has once again produced a stunning novel, a definite top of the pile novel not to be missed.