Name: Boy on the Edge
ISBN: 9780763666804

Fridrik Erlings

Targeted by bullies because of his physical challenges, Henry lashes out at his mother and is sent to an isolated farm for troubled boys along the Icelandic coast, where his precarious contentment is challenged by a manic preacher overseer and his own restlessness. By the author of Benjamin Dove.

Boy on the Edge

Henry has been relentlessly bullied by his peers. All of his pain and rage are bottled up until one day he takes it out on his mother. After the assault, Henry is sent to a farm for "troubled boys" on the Icelandic coast run by a preacher and his wife. He is put in charge of the cows, a duty that he comes to find peace and contentment with. But the fire and brimstone teachings and lofty aspirations of the preacher who owns the farm continue to isolate and enrage Henry, fueling his wish for a friend beyond the cows and bull that he's been given charge of. This is an achingly sad book that explores loneliness, isolation, loss, and finally, friendship. The ableism displayed in the book is overwhelming sometimes. It's definitely portrayed as bad, but it's still a lot to deal with. In addition to the ableism, readers should be warned of contemplation of self-harm and suicide. This is a very heavy book and readers should be aware of their mental state before tackling it.

Boy on the Edge

Reviews

Highlights