Where The River Takes Us

Wales, 1974. The miners are striking and everyone is struggling to make ends meet. A reward of £100 is being offered for a clear photo of the big cat that's supposedly living in the nearby mountains. Four friends decide to go on a camping trip and hopefully take the prize—each for their own reasons. 

For 13-year-old Jason, it’s the opportunity he’s been looking for to help his brother, Richie. About 10 months ago, Jason and Richie’s parents died in a car crash. 18-year-old Richie was appointed Jason’s guardian. Jason feels as though he's not just lost his parents, but also his older brother—the dynamic of their relationship has completely changed. Aunty Pearl, a family friend, comes by about once a week to help with some chores but is often critical of the boys' lack of domestic skills. Others in the town help out where they can, but Jason finds their sympathy unhelpful. Meanwhile, Richie is struggling to support them both on three days of work per week—and he soon throws his lot in with a gang of car thieves. 

Jason has two good mates, Jinx and Tam, who he spends a lot of time with on weekends and holidays. He’s also friends with the girl next door, Catrin, as they have known each other since birth and are about the same age. Catrin is much more empathetic towards Jason regarding the loss of his parents but Jinx and Tam don’t like Catrin hanging around with them. Initially, Jason is dismissive of the news reports about a big cat in the area, but when he realises the opportunity to make some money, the idea of a camping trip with his friends seems like the ideal solution. They agree to Catrin coming along because she can bring her father’s expensive camera.

They encounter many difficulties on their trip: rain, a bull, a couple of annoying school acquaintances, falling hay bales, and losing their map. They don’t get the photo, but through it all, they become better friends who are prepared to protect and support one another. In the end, Richie’s criminal activities catch up with him but he’s likely to avoid jail time because of the extenuating circumstances. Aunty Pearl realises she needs to play a more active and supportive role in the boys’ lives.

A compelling historical novel that captures timeless themes of grief, loss, friendship and community. The portrayal of the miners' strike is well-researched and adds depth and weight to the narrative. The ongoing impact of Jason and Richie's parents' passing, brings up interesting questions of responsibility and compassion. 

grief and loss, historical, Wales, 1974 miners' strike, family relationships, friends, adventure, camping trips

There’s a fistfight late in the story but no injuries.