Number of Pages: 288
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Dystopian
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Dundurn Group
Age Range: Adult
Author: Emily Brewes
Language: English
About the Book
Twenty-five years after humanity's narrow escape from climate collapse, Jesse Vanderchuck meets a talking dog named Doggo. Together, they leave the Underground to find Jesse's sister and a new life. Throughout, Jesse weaves a series of fantastic fairy tales from threads of memory.
Book Synopsis
An astounding tale of a dangerous quest, a talking dog, and fragmented fairy tales in an eerie post-climate collapse future. A long time ago, the Vanderchucks fled the growing climate disaster and followed their neighbours into the Underground. Jesse Vanderchuck thought it was the end. Of the world. Of life. Eventually, Jesse's little sister, Olivia, ran away and Jesse started picking through trash heaps in Toronto's abandoned subway tunnels. Day in, day out.
Now, years later, Jesse meets a talking dog. Fighting illness and the hostile world aboveground, Jesse and Doggo embark on a fool's errand to find Olivia -- or die trying. Along the way, Jesse spins a series of fairy tales from threads of memories, weaving together the past, present, and future into stories of brave girls, of cunning lads, of love in the face of wickedness, and of hope in the midst of despair.
Review Quotes
[A] solid, genre-bending debut ... Dark and a little absurd, this will appeal to fans of intimate postapocalyptic tales.-- "Publishers Weekly"
Jesse's persistent mystery illness and the fear with which disease is treated in general bring an extra 'ripped from the headlines' urgency to the work ... Recommended for those who enjoy dying underground cities like those found in the
Fallout vaults or Jeanne DuPrau's
The City of Ember (2003) but also want a more personal, meditative story.-- "Booklist"
A fantastical and magical debut infused with heart, longing and our need for companionship. A story within a story, Brewes skillfully guides the reader through a dystopian landscape where, against all odds, dreams and hope continue to thrive.-- "Brian Francis, author of Break in Case of Emergency"
About the Author
Emily Brewes grew up in the wilds of northern Ontario, where she learned to be afraid of nature, especially bugs. She now writes wistfully of its rugged beauty and haunting landscapes. Emily lives in Kingston, Ontario.