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Wounded

by Eric Walters

Given that he has penned more than 60 books since his YA novel debut in 1993, Eric Walters knows a few things about narrative structure, enough to know when – and how much – to twist the usual formulas out of shape.

Walters’ newest title, Wounded, tells the story of the long-anticipated reunion between a Canadian Special Forces officer returning from a gruelling tour of duty in Afghanistan and his family living on base back home. To the novel’s benefit, Walters avoids the pitfalls of the typical YA “issue” novel by delaying that reunion until deep into the story, giving ample time for the reader to get to know the novel’s real protagonist, Marcus, a 15-year-old base kid trying to keep his family together. Marcus’s mother works part-time at Wal-Mart to make ends meet, and his sister has been sleeping in mom’s bed since dad left eight months earlier. The family is literally counting the hours until his return.

This portrait of a military family strained by anxious anticipation is realistic and moving. It also educates readers about the stresses of army life during times of war, when every phone call may bring the dreaded news of
a loved’s one’s death or dismemberment, creating an atmosphere of dread, elation, and guilt when the bad news arrives at a neighbour’s house. Walters’ depiction of Marcus’s father – who slowly succumbs to post-traumatic stress disorder – is equally deft, making for a dramatic second half that matches the excellent opening chapters.

 

Reviewer: James Grainger

Publisher: Penguin Canada

DETAILS

Price: $12.99

Page Count: 192 pp

Format: Paper

ISBN: 978-0-14-317177-5

Released: May

Issue Date: 2009-7

Categories:

Age Range: 12+

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