A River Apart

by Robert Sutherland

When the War of 1812 pits the United States against Canada, Jamie Shaw and his best friend Jared, each living on opposite sides of the St. Lawrence River, find themselves facing each other in the heat of battle.

184 pages, Hardcover

First published October 27, 2000

About the author

Robert Sutherland is one of Canada's most successful YA novelists, having already published 13 novels. He has received numerous nominations and prizes for his fiction. His novels have been translated into French, Norwegian, Swedish, German and Korean. "Survivor's Leave" developed from his experience during WWII when he served as an anti-aircraft gunner on a Loch Class frigate (HMCS Loch Morlich). When his ship was in dry dock in London for repairs, he experienced the German V-1 bombing.

Reviews

[Ayah Minnah Hebah]

This is the story of a boy-Jamie Shaw-who lived with his family in Prescott, Ontario, 1812. He had a little sister called Mary, and his parents, Rachel & Thomas Shaw. Jamie's best friends- Jared & Leah Jackson- were barely a mile away across the St. Lawrence. Even though the river was separating the three friends, Jamie always visited back & forth as long as he could remember. When war broke out, Malachi Jackson -the father of his friends, told them that he -Jamie, was no longer their friend.

However, in the end, Jamie saved his friend's life by flinging himself over his body due to a shower of grapeshot that fell on top of them in an attempt of the Canadians to attack the Americans.

A gripping, cute, story demonstrating the hardships during the rather odd war of 1812.

Ayah,
4th Grader :)

[Mehrin C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is good for someone who likes action and journey

[Junia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, but my favorite part is still the end. I'm still sticking to it.

[Matthew Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to read of the emotions and the thoughts each side of the war, taking into consideration the opposing countries used to be friends. The thoughts and turmoil they would have faced going from friends to foes. Its a good read.