Hold Fast by Kevin Major

Major, Kevin. (1991). Hold fast. Toronto, Canada: Stoddart Publishing Co. Limited.

Summary:

Following the death of his parents involving a drunk driver, Michael is sent from his hometown of Marten, to live with his Aunt and Uncle in St. Albert. Having difficulties coping with his new living arrangement Michael looks to make friends with the kids at school. It is not until he fights with a school bully that Michael starts to befriend his cousin Curtis and the rest of his group. After a series of fights and misunderstandings Michael and Curtis decide to run away back to Marten. Can they make the long journey on their own?

-Themes:

a. Survival: Michael’s quest for survival includes in the wilderness, life, school, and even within his family.

b. Standing up for yourself: While Michael is always prone to standing up for himself; it is Curtis who must learn how to do this for himself.

c. Being true to yourself: Michael never deviates from his perception of self.

d. Coping with loss and Death: When Michael loses his parents in a car crash, he must learn to cope with the aftermath, including the separation between him and his brother.

e. Social Class: Michael is from a poor rural town in New Foundland. This becomes an issue when he moves to the suburbs and people begin to make fun of his background and the way he speaks.

-Age Recommendation:

I would consider this book more for older, more advanced younger teen readers, aged 12-16.

-Other Information:

Hold Fast is Kevin Major’s first book. It won the Governor General's Award, Book-of-the-Year CACL, and Ruth Schwartz Award, when it was first published in 1978.

Reaction:

I found Hold Fast to be interesting. The novel was thought provoking, however, it was difficult for me to connect with Michael. While Michael’s reactions to situations did logically stem from his own experiences and beliefs about authority figures, I found it hard to justify some of his actions. His ability to “borrow” a car was especially problematic for me. Nevertheless, I found Michael’s character to be true to his characterization, especially based upon his personality and background. In that sense I think that I was still able to be engaged in the book. Kevin Major’s characterization was consistent throughout Michael’s experiences.