North to Benjamin

by Alan Cumyn

Freezing temperatures. Cracking ice. Ferocious wolves.

Eleven-year-old Edgar is willing to face them all to stop his mother from upturning their lives once again -- not this time, not this town. He's finally made a friend; he's finally found a teacher who understands him; and then there's Benjamin, an old dog who understands Edgar better than anyone.

But Edgar's mother's path to destruction is beyond his control, and then Edgar loses control, and Benjamin becomes the only one who understands him. So together they embark on a journey across the unforgiving Yukon wilderness for help. But soon Edgar is no longer looking to stop his mother from ruining their lives, but to save Benjamin's and his own.

Genres: Middle Grade, Magical Realism, Canada, Dogs, Adventure, Contemporary, Animals

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 4, 2018

Reviews

[CanadianReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Initially, I admired this novel for older children and young adults because it dared to go places that few kids’ books do. The sympathetic protagonist, Edgar, appears to be a child with fetal alcohol syndrome. His mother, Stephanie, is mess. She works unskilled jobs (bartending and waitressing), drinks too much, lies, sponges off others, and can’t manage very long without a man—sometimes any man will do. As the novel opens, she and Edgar are fleeing the Toronto home of her latest boyfriend, Roger. He’s not the worst of the guys she’s been with, but she will later have no scruples about telling horror stories about his treatment of her in order to cultivate the next man’s sympathy.

A friend of a friend has advised her of a house-sitting opportunity in Dawson City, Yukon. Stephanie declares to her young son that she’s eager to remake herself in an entirely new place. She tries to sell Edgar on the relocation by promising him that he will be caring for a dog, Benjamin—something that greatly excites the boy. Once they’ve arrived in the northern Canadian city, Edgar bonds immediately with the large elderly dog. He communicates easily (and sophisticatedly) with Benjamin and finds it increasingly difficult to communicate normally with other humans in their language. Instead, he produces barks and whines, and is only able to get more complex ideas across to people by writing on a notepad.

Before Edgar becomes an almost completely dog-identified-boy (for lack of a better way of putting it), he and his mother are befriended by their neighbour, Ceese, and his school-aged daughter, Caroline. Ceese has a lovely girlfriend, Victoria, whom Edgar loves almost immediately. Knowing his mother’s patterns well, Edgar anticipates that Stephanie will prove to be a destructive force in the couple’s relationship. Determined to do his best to prevent her ruining things yet again, one cold night he makes a rash and dangerous decision—one that involves the dog, Benjamin.

In my opinion, that part of the book, approximately the last quarter, is a total mess. Any warm feelings I may have had towards the rather peculiar narrative that is North to Benjamin went entirely south. I found the conclusion super weird—unsettling and unsatisfying. I had a wonderful experience with Cumyn’s Owen Skye series, and so did many children I know. However, as well disposed as I am towards quirky kids’ books that are not formulaic and even refuse to toe the line, I really cannot recommend this one.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

To tell the truth, I picked up this book because the dog on the cover is enormous just like mine. I figured I could handle a sweet little story about the friendship between a boy and his canine companion, and that's what I thought this book would be. I was severely mistaken. It delves deep into the heart and mind of Edgar (a tween whose precise age is unknown to him) as he is forced once again to cope with the incomprehensible actions of "old people" like his mother. His struggle against acknowledging any awareness of the true character of adults will touch your heart and make you want to wrap him in a warm blanket.

[Melinda Brasher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard book to rate. Reading as an adult, I enjoyed it overall.

The writing is sometimes beautiful, the voice an odd but compelling mix of literary and naïve…which makes sense for our shy, contemplative boy who has often had to be the adult to an irresponsible mother but who shies away from seeing certain aspects of the world for what they are. It did get a little too poetic for me at times, and a little repetitive.

The story is unique and sometimes surreal, giving it a touch of magical realism.

The setting is very interesting and well painted.

However…I'm not sure about the target audience. Some of the subject matter is pretty adult…and grim. Alcoholism, sexual situations, co-dependency, irresponsible mother, etc. I wouldn't simply recommend this to every kid in the target age range. And as a parent I would probably want to read along and discuss with my kids as they read it. The subplot with Caroline and Edgar and the bully guy…and their awkward talks about sex and their tentative explorations…made me rather uncomfortable. I'm not sure if it was because the characters seemed too young or their almost Victorian way of talking about it seemed at odds with their actions…or if it was just the awkwardness of it all. Anyway, as a parent I would want to know that such content was in the book. Some of these themes feel more appropriate to YA, but since it's told from the point of view of a kid who in many ways seems quite young (his age is hard to pinpoint), it might turn off teen readers. Also, the style is fairly literary, the pace somewhat slow, the subject matter quite abstract, the plot focused on the adults in the story, the ending also quite literary and unresolved…which might not make it the most popular choice for young readers. On the other hand, it might not be meaty enough on the whole for some adult readers.

Personal enjoyment: 3.5, maybe 4
Rating based on target audience: 3, maybe lower

WARNING: Adult situations. Parents may want to pre-read.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I fell in love with the cover and was intrigued by the descriptions of the story. I was ready for a Yukon adventure that I could recommend to students. What I got was...well, I’m not really sure. First, the intended audience is middle-grade students, but it reads more like a YA book with all the discussion of the protagonist’s mother’s sexual exploits. Second, only the last chunk of the story actually involves any Yukon adventure (and even then, the adventure was short lived). I don’t think this one will make it on my list of recommending reading.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an odd book. It’s recommended for ages 10-14, but I would say it’s more young adult. The main character is 11 and the overarching theme is his struggle to deal with his mother’s sexual trysts. He loses his ability to communicate with people through spoken word and instead is only able to bark and communicate with dogs 🙄. It was bizarre. That being said, I can’t think of one person, let alone kid, I would recommend it to.

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but at 40% I had to stop. It is supposed to be middle grade, if I am correct, but it feels more YA with some of the subject matter. The boy is in fourth grade, so I feel like the talk of sex in the story is misplaced. I am well aware that some kids have a life like his, but I would not feel comfortable booktalking this. All of that being said, it was too slow, and I am not sure what kid this book would appeal to...that made it hard for me want to finish it. I am bummed.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted so much more from this book. The last 15% or so was the Yukon adventure that I had been hoping for (and sold on) from the description, but the rest was hard for me to reconcile with that type of adventure story. Up until then, much of the writing has a dreamy, magical-realism quality to it that would be at home in general literature studies, but is going to be a hard sell for a typical middle grade reader, especially one who wants to get a story about surviving in the Yukon wilderness with your dog.

Edgar moves with his mother to the Yukon wilderness to housesit for some friends of a friend. The main thing he is looking forward to: getting to petsit Benjamin, the giant Newfoundland dog that lies at the house. He just KNOWS that he will have a connection with Benjamin. They will be great friends, and that is something that Edgar desperately needs. His mother Stephanie always has them on the move, going from one place, one guy, to the next. And this will be no different. She has her sights set on Ceese, the neighbor, even though he is already dating Victoria. Edgar thinks that if he could just get the others to see his mom, see what she is doing, they could stop her before she ruins this place for him. But then, he loses his ability to speak and can only bark and communicate with Benjamin. Now Edgar doesn't know how he will get anyone to believe him, so he sets off at night on a risky and dangerous mission to tell the truth.

Like I said, this is not going to be a best seller for those readers who are looking for a Hatchet like story or something along the lines of Watt Key's books. BUT, if they like magical realism, and exploring the dynamics of families and truth, this might be for them.

[Logan Norton · Rating 2 out of 5]

In this book, Edgar moves to Dawson City in the Yukon Territory with his mom and there he meets Benjamin the dog, and they become good friends.

[Donna Dobihal Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is a well-written book, with interesting, complex characters and relationships, a palpable setting, and a myriad of issues to discuss, I am unsure into which child's hands to put it. The sexual references and innuendos will probably go over most heads of the targeted audience and, if so, much of the story won't make sense. So, I think this is a tough sell. It moves slowly until the end, so again, a tough sell to the majority of kids looking for fast-paced, relatable read. What I did love was when (spoiler alert) Edgar could no longer speak so humans could understand him.

[Casle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story, beautifully written. Thinking as a librarian one would have to read this book to know the right kid to recommend it to. Adults though, and parents should definitely read this book. Your kids see you for who you are, and are impacted by the choices you make.

[Candice Lally · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book I really didn’t enjoy reading. I finished it though, hoping maybe it would turn around and I would get to the end and it would all make sense. It didn’t. I still didn’t like it. I even told my husband how much I was not liking this book as I read it. I hate giving bad reviews but I just didn’t get this. The cover is beautiful though!
Full Review: https://beachwoodschoolhouse.com/nort...

[Laina SpareTime · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cross-posted from my blog where there's more information on where I got my copy and links and everything.

What did I just read. I don’t even know what to say. I am so confused by this book. Also, I’m going to put a spoiler about the dog at the end of the book because people want to know that, so be prepared.

First of all, it’s shelved on goodreads as “magical realism”. I would love to link to an article here about the history of magical realism and how it’s probably sketchy when white dudes claim to be writing it… but I’m more puzzled about why the author’s website calls it a “is a psychological thriller that sees a young boy, Edgar, dragged north by his unstable mother, testing his formidable survival skills.” This isn’t remotely a thriller and Edgar’s survival skills insist on him realizing he should put on a jacket before venturing into the Yukon wilderness. And even then I’m not sure he was wearing a hat. And he definitely wasn’t wearing snow pants. Or more than one layer on his legs at all.

Just recently I saw people using the phrase “magical contemporary” and that’s probably the more appropriate term for this book? Looking for feedback on that still, but I’m going to link to an article and two twitter threads that should help explain why magical realism is not an appropriate thing for this book to be called. I’m going to say either “magical contemporary” or “contemporary with fantasy elements” is what should be used on this book.

As to how those are handled – honestly I found it weird. I went in expecting a contemporary book because that’s how the back blurb presented it, and then suddenly the dog started talking. And then Edgar stopped talking and could only bark. And that’s the extent of the fantasy elements. Honestly with everything going on in the book it just makes Edgar seem like he’s imagining these things as coping method because he has a hard life.

I didn’t particularly like how the author wrote female characters. I can’t really put my finger on it, but there was something that just bothered me. There’s an incredibly weird subplot about Edgar’s friend… I forgot her name. I put this book down like an hour ago and I’ve already forgotten her name. That honestly says something how little characterization she had. She liked dogs and… I don’t know anything about her. Wow. Apparently her name is Caroline.

So anyways, there’s this weird subplot about how this kid who bullies Edgar keeps sexually harassing Caroline. The book kind of victim blames her! There’s a weird line comparing the thirteen year old girl to Edgar’s mother and how she looks at men and it’s just kind of super gross. And I’m not against talking about sex in middle grade books but if you’re going to make it like a one page thing, I don’t think you’re doing that thoughtfully or for a reason besides really shock value.

I didn’t enjoy the writing enough to pull through the rest of the issues I had. It didn’t work for me and felt weirdly old fashioned. And last, the ending was super unfinished. None of the issues were actually resolved. It just ends.

And the freaking dog dies.

Two out of five roses.

[London Green · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, judging by the promising adventure it sounded like on the back of the book. However, it focuses more on a dysfunctional family and the long, drawn out conflict the main character faces rather than some Yukon adventure with a boy and his dog. In fact, the dog barely even had a role to play if we're comparing it to the rest of the book.

This book follows Edgar, an 11-year old boy (who's age isn't even confirmed until two thirds into the book, mind you) with an unstable mother who is constantly moving both of them between cities. Edgar's memories are mentioned in this vague, undetailed way that could have been written really well but just seemed rather lackluster, at least to me. For mostly the entire book, he's so worried that his mother is having an affair with a married man, which definitely touches on a deeper subject for a middle-grade novel. I would totally be on board with this if it had been done better.

As for Edgar, he doesn't seem like much of a character but rather a victim we're supposed to sympathize for. He didn't have any defining traits or characteristics that really drew me in other than his viewpoint of the world. I also found myself disliking something in the writing style, too, though I can't put a finger to it. Maybe because it just felt so abrupt and often without detail, or just the way the plot meandered on and on without much happening. If I remember, there was something about a sixth grade girl being sexually assaulted? It was extremely unnecessary and added next to nothing to the plot other than more drama.

There was this entire incident about how Edgar went on marking like a dog, unable to communicate with anyone, and I almost couldn't stand it. They could have done it in a way where he's so uncomfortable around his family situations that he goes mute and has imaginary conversations with Benjamin, the dog, as a way of coping, but nope. The dog straight up started talking out of nowhere.

Speaking of that, no actual action took place until the last 50 pages or so, though there honestly wasn't much of a clear resolution. This story could have been so promising, but in many ways it just flopped.

Why the extra star? Despite the negativities, I did enjoy the way the setting was described and how old Jack London stories are quoted along with some history about the Yukon, which was pretty cool. I also think that, if the writing style had been better and the main character had more of a personality, I would've loved to see what could be done with a heavier concept like this. That and some more action.

If you're looking for an adventure focusing on a boy and his dog then I'm afraid this one isn't for you. The slow, dragging plot and weird, unnecessary moments scattered around just won't be enough to capture the main demographic's attention. There are several other books that revolve around the Yukon and Alaska. You aren't missing much.

[Mark Florew]

First I do not like Cumyn's Characterization if Rogers Murderous Image like when "She wanted to see Roger with his knife dripping blood" (Cumyn pg 60). I do not like this because they build him up to be some deadly awful person but they never ever bring him into the story so the whole point of bringing him up was for nothing.

Additionally, I sorta like Cumyn's representation of Edgars Mom Stephanie's character of a selfish mother who drinks, smokes, parties, and struggles to parent her child for example "My mother is going to break them up. She wants him for herself. I do not know why she acts this way" (Cumyn pg 88). The relationship between Edgar and his mother was the part keeping me interested in this book because it felt like the only relevant topic in this novel. The book foreshadows that Edgars mother is going to make a huge mistake due to her urges with men from her past.

Furthermore, I am very fond of the theme of family instability due to the moms personal conflict like "I didn't take much care when I was pregnant...Its my fault. I was young and stupid"(Cumyn pg 103).
This quote matches the theme because from the start Edgar's mother was far from perfect and only foreshadowed a jagged lifestyle.

In addition, The problems causes by Edgar's mother reflects upon him and confuses the character which I find to be a nice touch for example "Edgar was not his mother's slave- at least he did not feel he was...he was trapped in a way in the life his mother was making for them" (Cumyn pg 174). I think its nice touch because Edgar is clearly going through internal conflict and is confused on why he does the things he does and believes its all because of his mothers mistakes.

In conclusion, I am glad the author went through with what he has been have been foreshadowing the whole book of his mother making a big mistake which occurs when Edgar cries "It was happening, it was happening...Im sorry (Cumyn 266). I was glad because the only interesting part of the novel was its conflict and even though it was very obvious to see it coming I did appreciate the Dialogue between Edgar's Mother and Victoria.

[Angelina Gill · Rating 1 out of 5]

If i'm being honest, the books an oddball to say the least. Like many people here, the cover art was beautiful and I thought it was going to be a thrilling adventure story about a kid and his dog..which it honestly isn't. You're probably quite tired of looking through reviews and plot summaries, so im going to go strait to the point of the parts that have generally weird undertones. It first starts off with the boy's mother being a alcoholic and running away from her abusive boyfriend and having affairs with a married man. I'm all for realistic stories but I feel it's a bit too much for younger children with how in depth it goes within these parts. Another part that was just ehh to me has to be when another 6th grader, I believe they were friends (I haven't read this book in awhile and I don't wanna go through the pain of reading it again,) talks about being sexually assaulted by either a 8th grader or a highschooler which is- not saying these things don't happen but- extremely weird talking about the depth it went in. Something feels a little off to me about a adult man writing a 6th grader in a situation like this but yknow ill let it slide. Another thing that was weird was how our main character randomly started barking like a dog, seemingly out of no where. No magic occurred, there wasnt a body swap, the kid just couldn't speak all of a sudden. Not to mention the awkward scene with our main characters bully putting a collar and leash on the boy and yanking him around. This poor character was given no real personality either and had all these odd and uncomfortable situations thrown on him that just felt weird. At the beginning of the book it was super nice, writing was well, but then suddenly the whole thing changed to this weird narrative of forcing our 11 year old kid into weird situations of barking like a dog and discussing his friends assualt. Honestly, dont reccomend for kids. If you wanna read it as a adult to see how weird it is, go ahead i guess..creep.

[Leslie Archer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edgar and his mother have escaped yet another of her hapless love affairs to house sit in the wilderness mining town of Dawson. With the house comes Benjamin, an old farting Newfoundland, and friendly neighbors, Carolyn with her father Ceese, another disastrous love affair waiting to happen. Edgar develops a symbiotic connection to Benjamin, so strong that he himself ends up communicating only in woofs and scents.
Alan Cumyn is known for his bizarre plot twists. This one is grounded in the very real voice of Edgar, a boy of 11 (maybe 13) with a camera and a simple eye for the stark beauty of his surroundings. Edgar knows the signs all too well, but his attempts to understand his mother’s recklessness lead to his own, confronting danger with only Benjamin as his ally. “Maybe that was what his mother craved - leaning so close, smelling her own life nearly ripped open.” When the inevitable disaster finally comes and Edgar takes Benjamin on a quest to right this wrong, his very life is threatened by the fragile reawakening of spring on the Yukon.
Cumyn’s narrative is both raw and evocative:“- the sense of how light never stayed the same - filling him, filling him.” - a boy pondering his connection to family, the natural world and the heritage of the north country.

[Samara · Rating 1 out of 5]

2/10

What on earth even............

So judging from the cover I was like, ooh, cool, a story about a boy and his dog surviving in the wilderness. Should be great, right? NOPE. It wasn't about that at all. Instead you get this really weird plot about a boy who all of a sudden cannot talk to humans anymore and instead can only communicate with Benjamin the dog. And they hold fake (or are they?) conversations. So when Edgar "talks" to someone all that comes out are barks and whines?!?! LIKE WHAT?!?! At this point I didn't know if Edgar (the main character) was going crazy or what......

The ending was extremely unsatisfying and didn't make sense because I have no idea what would happen to the character's after it. It was just a huge huge mess.

CWs: lots of taking God's name in vain, suggestive content (like a lot...), and all around stupidity

[Sydney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was…. Weird. Marketed as a middle grade adventure type book, but felt like part YA and part adult education book. I legitimately thought the kid was a dog for the first few pages. The writing was off. Confusing what was reality and what was Edgar’s imagination. As an educator, I figured out very quickly Edgar was on the spectrum or had some other mental disability. Definitely an important character trait that the target audience will miss.

Edgar was a compelling character, and I feel like the plot did not do him justice. His mom just sucks and has NO redeeming qualities. The ending was not satisfying at all, very open ended and did nothing- NOTHING- to justify what Edgar had to go through. Old Yeller but w/o the depth and complexity to make it impactful.

[Allie Fullerton (thelightfilledreader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, tender, impressive story. The language is beautiful. The story is sad and true. I highly recommend this book.
But I recommend for adult readers even though this book is for children. Edgar and Caroline have conversations about sex, they practice kissing, Caroline is pushed to kiss a boy at school and maybe go further too, and it is obvious Edgar's mother is having an affair. While I don't deny that there are children who experience and go through this, I don't think other children who have not experienced these things should read this book. It brings up sexual content, situations, and questions that kids should not be dwelling on at that age if they don't have to.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eleven year old Edgar is used to moving from school to school. When he finds out he and his mom will be moving to northwest Canada and he will be taking care of a dog he is encouraged but still not very hopeful. As his moms true side is revealed once again he turns to the dog Benjamin as a safe place to air his emotions. Soon all Edgar can do is bark like a dog. This further complicates his relationships with his mom, teacher, and neighbourhood friend and leads him to try a dangerous escape. This revealing book is for mature readers as it contains alcoholism and sexual content.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just had to read this because it's set in Dawson City and features the writings of Jack London and Robert Service, both highly inspired by the Klondike gold rush. I'm glad I read it. Edgar is a creative but lonely tween that is ignored and oppressed by his alcoholic flighty selfish mother who spends her time going from town to town and man to man. There is nothing explicit in this book but Edgar does have to deal with the adults in his life and how they act. This is a great opportunity to introduce a young reader to the glorious Yukon.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a hard book to review. The first 1/3 had me hooked. It reminded me of The Great Alone but for a younger audience. Then it takes a weird turn but I was still ok until the confusing and sudden end.
I wish the author had just stuck to the story of the mom and her son trying to start new in such an interesting setting.
The beginning was so good, wish I could have rated it higher.
Also, there is quite a lot of sex and sexual overtones in this book. It is definitely more YA and I’m glad I didn’t read it out loud to my kids, who are the intended audience.

[Tyler Deren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel had a lot of potential with an interesting premise. Unfortunately, it fails to find a voice until the final chapters.

Honestly, if it wasn't for the exciting and gripping final chapters, I would have rated this one a 1 or a 2.

Also a note: the Goodreads plot synopsis says this takes place in Alaska. This book actually takes place in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada.

[Dedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weirdly interesting. I couldn't stop reading, but I also don't know that it would be a good fit for most middle school readers. It was incredibly uncomfortable at times-- the writing was almost too honest. Edgar's observations and having to deal with adult situations just made me feel unsure about this in the hands of a 6th or 7th grade reader.

[Jillian Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this one on the beach. About 150 pages into it the tide rolled in and waterlogged the book. By the time I finished the book, I wish the tide had taken it. Such an odd book. No way I can recommend this to students in my school. I plan to remove my library copy and maybe donate to the high school🤷🏼‍♀️

[Robin Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully moving and strange tale. Cumyn handles the fantastical elements so well, right at the level of his readers. The adults, with the exception of one teacher and the stepmother of one friend, come across as suitably awful. The relationship with the Newfoundland at the center of the tale is charming.

[Christian Wiley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This may have been one of the strangest books I've read but also the most normal. I thought the book was good just not my reading level. The book shows how this boy's life is in shambles but he finds a unique best friend when he feels like he is alone. I this book is great for anyone struggling with feeling alone or feels like they can't find friends. It shows friends are out there you just have to look in the right places. Also the book shows you don't have to be who your parents are.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good YA novel about a young boy trying to live with a single mother who can't seem to ever give up her bad habits. Although it's billed as a middle grade novel, I think the themes and issues covered in the book will be a tad too deep for this age group.

[Henry Tennant · Rating 3 out of 5]

very weird and interesting

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!