Bret Anthony Johnston is the Creative Writing Director at Harvard. I am not surprised, as this, his debut novel, is a very creatively crafted offering: plot and characters both.
A young boy, Justin Campbell, is missing. This book examines the feelings of the family while he
…more is missing and after he is found. Some heady stuff here.
It is hard to dislike any of the characters, despite the fact they are flawed. Most important they are searching for the truth during and even after Justin is found. We hear the story from many voices, even though, ironically, never from Justin himself. Interesting approach by this author and makes one consider why he did this. I too was continually impressed with the non-judgmental love the parents, grandfather and brother showed.
The story takes place in Corpus Christi, TX, Johnston's home town. Eric, the father, is a teacher. Laura, the mother, is a volunteer at the local dolphin rescue. Griff, the younger brother is an avid skate boarder.
There is an incident that involves the coping of a swimming pool at the old, abandoned Teepee Motel. This is where Griff skates his board. I mention this because coping has a double meaning, the edge of a pool which one grabs to emerge from the pool AND the ability to withstand a challenge. Johnston admits he did not even see that coming. Johnston says in an interview published at the end of the book:
"But in the book, according to certain readers, the word “coping” takes on a more nuanced definition. It’s a word I’ve heard all my life as a skater—coping, coping, coping—but the novel was almost done before I started hearing that piece of language as it would apply to Griff and Justin and their family. Who knew? Not me. I couldn’t have planned something like that. I wouldn’t want to. I’d rather wait for the book to surprise me, to change the way I view—and hear—the life around me."
If you read this book, please do not skip this interview. It is a pleasure to read entirely on its own.
I felt totally engaged with the characters as I read and experienced this book. As a result, I recommend it to all readers who enjoy a family saga ingeniously rendered.
5 stars (less)
