Where ‘TV isn’t an option’

Adventures in Desolation Sound 
by Grant Lawrence (illustrated by Ginger Ngo)

Madeira Park: Harbour Publishing, 2024
$24.95 / 9781990776878

Reviewed by Ron Verzuh

*

Just about anyone can write a children’s story, right? Well, if you’ve ever tried it you’ll know that isn’t true. It takes a special talent to weave a story into a magical experience that kids will excitedly devour. Grant Lawrence is such a talent and he knows how to make his writing appeal to his audience, in this case four- to seven-year-olds.

When he isn’t writing books, Lawrence is a CBC Vancouver personality and musician, so he’s a pro at reaching out to his selected audiences. This picture book was inspired by an earlier memoir titled Adventures in Solitude, a story series that recalls Lawrence’s coming-of-age exploits on his family’s boat Big Buck$ as they explored the B.C. coastline around Desolation Sound.

In Desolation Sound Lawrence Sr. wants the kids to get away from television and experience what life is all about in a natural setting. The father’s social experiment introduces young Grant and his sister Heather to an environment that takes them out of their comfort zone and into the world of Nature. The Sound is perfect.

After a barf-inducing day long car ride and two ferries, the family finally reaches their new cabin deep in the Sound’s wilderness. In fact, they have to travel to it by small rowboat, with seals and jellyfish swimming alongside.

But before they set off on the final leg of their journey, they encounter Cougar Nancy, a rifle-toting resident whose land the family has to cross. Following a short discussion, Nancy lowers her rifle and gives them permission to pass through her land.

As they nestle into bed for their first night in the great outdoors, Grant and Heather ponder what was on TV. “Probably The Love Boat,” suggests Grant in a house as “quiet as a math test.” With no electricity, though, TV isn’t an option. 

The next day they begin to see the amazing sea creatures that surround them. There are all sorts of birds–Spruce Grouse, Kingfishers, Oystercatchers and Mergansers. They also spot “something big and hairy.” Not to worry, says Mr. Lawrence. That’s Russell, the hermit of Desolation Sound. 

Soon, the kids and Aggie the dog make friends with Nancy, Russell and the local First Nations residents who once held large feasts called potlaches in the area. They learn to catch fish, dig for clams and pick wild berries that are safe to eat. 

On rainy days, Nancy makes them “fresh-baked scones smothered in her homemade blackberry jam.” Instead of TV, they read books and play chess with Russell. On sunny days, they swing over the cove on a zunga. A what? “That’s a rope that’s tied to a tree branch that hangs over the water like a dangling snake.” Scary at first, remembers Grant, but lots of fun.

Desolation Sound is a simple, heartwarming story that offers life lessons to the young—and perhaps to older readers as well. The Lawrence family saga is enhanced by illustrator Ginger Ngo’s bold images of the characters and local landscape that the family intrepidly navigates on its summer vacation.

*

Ron Verzuh is a writer and historian. He has recently reviewed books by Howard White, Eileen Delehanty Pearkes, Vince R. Ditrich, Aaron Williams, Michel Drouin, Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson), Haley Healey, and Keith G. Powell for BCR.

*

The British Columbia Review

Interim Editors, 2023-25: Trevor Marc Hughes (non-fiction), Brett Josef Grubisic (fiction and poetry)
Publisher: Richard Mackie

Formerly The Ormsby Review, The British Columbia Review is an online book review and journal service for BC writers and readers. The Advisory Board now consists of Jean Barman, Wade Davis, Robin Fisher, Barry Gough, Hugh Johnston, Kathy Mezei, Patricia Roy, Maria Tippett, and Graeme Wynn. Provincial Government Patron (since September 2018): Creative BC. Honorary Patron: Yosef Wosk. Scholarly Patron: SFU Graduate Liberal Studies. The British Columbia Review was founded in 2016 by Richard Mackie and Alan Twigg.

“Only connect.” – E.M. Forster