River Odyssey

In this third installment of Philip Roy’s Submarine Outlaw series, Young Alfred finds himself preparing to sail up the St. Lawrence River into the bustling city of Montreal, an entirely different challenge from any that he has yet undertaken. He is making an effort to seek out his father; the man who had abandoned him as a baby and never once contacted him since.

 

With his characteristic determination and thirst for adventure, Alfred sets out with his stalwart crew—Seaweed the Seagull and a small dog named Hollie. From the very beginning, this trip feels unlike Al’s previous ones, and he is dismayed when he finds himself making several careless mistakes. After a few calamities he vows to be more careful. Once he arrives in Montreal, the process of locating his father begins in earnest. He becomes so absorbed in achieving that goal that his complacency once more leads to some tense moments. But in spite of the mishaps he encounters, Al succeeds in his mission and makes some surprising discoveries along the way.

 

Submarine Outlaw and its sequels have firmly established themselves as a riveting adventure series that has gathered a significant following who are anxiously awaiting this next installment. And they will not be disappointed! This personal quest and the internal struggles that it evokes for Alfred give this book a new dimension and allow his character to be more fully developed. Al remains the likeable, capable and confident young man that readers have enjoyed getting to know, but the mistakes that he makes along the way coupled with his uncertainties and mixed feelings surrounding his father create a more balanced picture. Readers will continue to enjoy his knowledgeable handling of the submarine and his level-headed approach to each problem that arises, but they will also relate to and empathize with his feelings of frustration and anxiety. Roy continues to keep this series fresh and engaging. We will all join Alfred in anticipating his next voyage. —Lisa Doucet