The Hemingway Tradition – Kristin Butcher

Author: Kristin Butcher
Title: The Hemingway Tradition
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Publication Date: 2002
Age range: 14 - 19
Genre: Hi/Lo / Realistic Fiction
Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

Plot summary: Shaw and his mother move from Vancouver to Winnipeg after Shaw's father, a successful writer, commits suicide. Shaw, who used to enjoy writing and talking about writing with his father, feels betrayed because his father revealed before his death that he was gay and could no longer go on in his current life. Starting over at a new school, Shaw finds solace in playing volleyball on the competitive school team and keeping active, until the volleyball season ends and he comes across a particularly poorly written article in the school newspaper. Shaw starts writing again, this time determined to defend his friend Jai who is demeaned by some for not being white. Tess, an adamant supporter of and reporter for the school paper, is thrilled when Shaw starts contributing, especially on weighty social issues. Meanwhile, Shaw's mother gives him his father's journal when she thinks he is ready to learn more about what his father was going through before his death. Shaw comes to terms with his father through reading the journal, realizing that the relationship father and son had was equally important to both of them. Shaw no longer feels abandoned and can forgive his dad.

Comments: This captivating book is simply written but contains a compelling story. There are so many elements that will appeal to all readers, including those with low vocabulary who need stories that draw the reader in. Shaw has to deal with homosexuality, prejudice, and the death of a parent. He becomes a new student and has to try to fit in. Shaw challenges himself by joining a new sports team and working very hard to succeed, then shows that a good athlete can also take school and writing seriously, as he gets involved with the school newspaper. Tess is a friend but perhaps something more in the future, and Jai is a great friend who is supportive of Shaw and also teases him like a sibling. By working with his own strengths and allowing himself some time to heal, Shaw gets through a very challenging period of his life. I think all readers can find an issue to relate to here, and the emotional growth that Shaw goes through is inspiring.

Dates Read: 3 – 4 March