Cast Away: A Novel

by Kase Johnstun

"An intergenerational story that interrogates and celebrates the American dream."—KIRKUS REVIEWS

Written with an abundance of humor and grace, Cast Away is a dual narrative that shines a brilliant light on a quirky and wonderful family as they experience displacement.

What would you do for your shot at the American Dream? Veronica Chavez and her great nephew Chuy immigrate from Mexico to the US, their journeys seventy years apart, each willing to do whatever it takes to build the life of their dreams. In 1922, Veronica’s romantic expectations are crushed by the dangers of living alone in a foreign country. Young and determined, she finds community in Utah’s desert railroad towns. Decades later, Chuy comes with his family to Salt Lake City, but his parents are soon sent back to Mexico. Out of place but together, Chuy and Veronica manage to connect across generations—hatching a plan to finally win it big on reality TV.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2024

Reviews

[Elliot Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d give this 3.5 stars.

At times it’s tender and has a big heart, especially in the first half. It then became a little repetitive and forced. Some good moments and characters, though. Wish Saltair was still what it was back in the ‘20s

[Dave Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cast Away: A Novel is the first book I’ve read by Kase Johnstun, and I found it to be an odd but compelling read—odd in the best way. The narrative alternates between two timelines and two central characters: Veronica in the 1920s and Chuy in the early 1990s. Veronica, it turns out, is Chuy’s great aunt, and their stories slowly intertwine in meaningful and sometimes surprising ways.

After Chuy's family emigrates from Mexico to the Salt Lake City area on a quota visa, they reconnect with Veronica, who becomes an influential—if initially unwelcome—presence in Chuy’s life. Her tough-love approach to helping him adjust to a new country is met with resistance at first, but over time, Chuy’s resentment gives way to respect and understanding. Their evolving relationship is one of the most rewarding arcs in the novel.

Two other characters who stood out were Hans, who becomes Chuy’s best friend, and Angela, his high school crush. Their relationships add depth to Chuy’s storyline, especially as he navigates adolescence, identity, and belonging in a new culture. A unique and somewhat unexpected theme in the book is Chuy’s obsession with the TV show Cast Away. While I initially found this connection to the title a bit of a stretch, the author commits to the concept, and it ultimately works within the story's context.

The heart of the novel, however, lies in Veronica’s journey. Her chapters take the reader from her early life through a deeply troubling relationship with a white abuser and into the hardships of living in a gritty immigrant railroad town. Her resilience and strength stand out as the most compelling parts of the book. I also found the portrayal of Mexican immigration in the early 20th century both informative and moving. Given the current national discourse on immigration, this fictional account feels particularly relevant and enlightening.

The prose occasionally felt simplistic, but that style seemed intentional—perhaps to reflect the limited English fluency of the characters or to maintain an accessible tone. Either way, the storytelling remained strong and effective throughout.

In the end, I breezed through the book with genuine interest. Cast Away may not be a conventional novel, but it’s a heartfelt and eye-opening one. If you're open to something a little different and appreciate stories that bridge generations and cultures, this is a worthy read.

[Rina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of multi-generational stories like Homegoing and Pachinko, especially when they capture aspects of a culture’s diaspora. What I loved about Cast Away was having Veronica exist both in her own narrative and in Chuy’s. I loved that we could see Veronica from a modern-day Chuy, who didn’t understand where her standoff-ish nature came from. I enjoyed peeling her layers back and coming to understand her.

It was easy to feel empathy for both characters and the entire cast. The book made me reflect on what it means to be successful, the importance of family, and the power of love and how it drives us. I’m a bit excited I found this gem a little early. I’m looking forward to seeing what others think!

[Darci Schummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast Away is a masterfully crafted novel that delights and surprises at each turn. Johnstun's use of place and historical detail to tell the stories of Chuy and Veronica creates an immersive experience for readers. The way he slowly weaves the stories of these two characters together is so well done. Full of heart and joy but rooted in the realities of the people living between cultures, this is a book not to miss. Once you start reading, you won't want to stop.

[Brett Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast Away is a strong novel that paints a beautiful story about multi-generational relatives, and documents the trials of a Hispanic family as they try to build a better life by immigrating to Utah. Cast Aways is a good read to understand the challenges of cultural outsiders coming into a close knit religious community. As a reader you get a perspective on the characters, how they sacrifice for each other and how they love each other. I highly recommend Cast Aways.

[P.K. Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing dual point of view. Entertaining and a great read while also bringing the realities of immigration into perspective.

[Jodi Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for the great read, Kase. I loved it!
Great characters, a few plot twists, and the power of family, friends, and food.