Last Bus to Wisdom              

by Ivan Doig

            

           This delightful novel is narrated by twelve year old Donal Cameron who relates his summer adventures when he is shipped off to Wisconsin after his grandmother becomes ill. Donal’s grandmother needs an operation and has no choice but to send Donal on the ‘dog bus’ (Greyhound) to stay with her sister in Wisconsin. Having lived his entire young life in Montana, Donal is ill prepared for city life, or for his Aunt Kate. As he tries to ‘get on Aunt Kate’s good side’ Donal quickly realizes that she has no good side. Donal’s only ally is his Uncle Herman, a man cowed by Aunt Kate, who retreats to his backyard greenhouse whenever possible. When things come to a head, Aunt Kate decides to ship Donal back to Montana, and the fate of an orphanage. As Donal boards the dog bus, he is shocked to find Uncle Herman has joined him, and together, the two are running away. What follows is hilarious, heart breaking, and a wonderful story of what family is all about.

            Unlike many novels narrated by a young child, this novel doesn’t try to give Donal adult wisdom. In fact, he is very much a young boy on the cusp of figuring out who he is. Uncle Herman is a delight. His perspective on life is at times hysterical and his love for Donal is real.

            A great read, Last Bus to Wisdom is filled with characters you will love, route for, and loath. It is a rollicking good ride on the dog bus.

            Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.