Title: Edward Adrift
Author: Craig Lancaster
First published April 3, 2013
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781611099058 (ISBN10: 1611099056)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
In Craig Lancaster’s Edward Adrift, we find Edward Stanton, a man with Asperger’s syndrome, grappling with life changes that have left him feeling lost. But a call from his friend Donna about her troubled son Kyle leads Edward on a journey that takes him out of his comfort zone and into the unknown.
As he and Kyle travel across the country, Edward’s routine is disrupted, but he also discovers new experiences and the possibility of love with an eccentric motel owner. This highly anticipated follow-up to 600 Hours of Edward is a heartwarming story about finding oneself and embracing new adventures.
About the Author
Craig Lancaster always dreamed of moving to Montana, a place he fell in love with as a child while visiting with his family. He wanted to be a part of the vast and gorgeous state that left such a strong impression on him.
In 2006, at the age of 36, he fulfilled this dream and moved to Montana.
Craig was born in Lakewood, Washington, on February 9th, 1970. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, with his mother, stepfather, and siblings.
His stepfather was a sportswriter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which inspired Craig to pursue a career in journalism. He worked for various newspapers across the United States, including Texas, Alaska, Kentucky, Ohio, Washington, California, and Montana.
After living in Montana for a few years, Craig decided to pursue his passion for writing novels. He completed his first novel, 600 Hours of Edward, during National Novel Writing Month in November 2008.
It was published by Riverbend Publishing of Helena, Montana, in October 2009. His second novel, The Summer Son, was released in January 2011 by AmazonEncore.
Craig’s novels explore the desires and motivations of his characters, delving deeply below the surface to discover what drives us in life. He believes that humans are fascinating and that fiction is a way to reveal truths about the world around us.
When asked about the meaning of his work, he encourages readers to draw their conclusions and share their emotional experiences.
Editoral Review
In his book Edward Adrift, Craig Lancaster masterfully crafts a heartwarming and poignant coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers of all ages. Lancaster, a best-selling author and renowned essayist, has become known for his captivating storytelling, and in Edward Adrift, he once again delivers a thought-provoking and emotionally charged work.
Edward Adrift is a sequel to Lancaster’s earlier novel, The Summer Son. The book follows Edward Stanton, a middle-aged man living with Asperger’s Syndrome, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
With his parents now gone, Edward is faced with the daunting prospect of navigating the challenges of life on his own. Throughout the story, Lancaster takes the reader on a journey through Edward’s mind, providing an intimate look at the challenges faced by someone with Asperger’s.
Lancaster vividly demonstrates the ways in which social interactions can be difficult for Edward, and how simple daily tasks can be a source of immense stress for him. Despite these challenges, Edward is determined to live his life on his own terms, with the help of a few close friends and family members.
The novel takes place in Billings, Montana, as Edward attempts to reconnect with his son and build new relationships with the people around him. Along the way, he faces a number of challenges and develops a deeper understanding of the world around him.
Lancaster’s attention to detail in his descriptions of the setting and the characters brings this small-town world to life. The book also tackles larger societal issues, including the challenges faced by individuals with Asperger’s and the struggles of small-town life.
Lancaster shines a light on the complexities of relationships and human nature, showing the ways in which we all struggle to connect with others. Overall, Lancaster’s writing is powerful and insightful, and his characters are richly drawn and fully realized.
Edward Adrift is a moving and thought-provoking book that will linger in readers’ minds long after the last page has been turned. However, there are a few minor critiques to be made.
The pacing of the novel can be slow at times, with some scenes dragging on longer than necessary. Additionally, the lack of dialogue at certain points can detract from the overall flow of the story.
Despite these small flaws, Edward Adrift is an excellent read that will stay with readers long after they finish the book. Fans of coming-of-age stories and complex character studies will be particularly drawn to this novel.
It is without a doubt among Lancaster’s best works and a must-read for anyone looking for an inspiring and thought-provoking read. Score: 4.5/5