Navigating the Darwin Straits

by Edith Forbes

Navigating the Darwin Straits reintroduces some of the characters from Edith Forbes’s Alma Rose, most notably Jordy McNeil. Growing up in a small western town with a lesbian mom presents challenges Jordy would rather avoid. As soon as he can, he makes an escape, landing in the San Francisco Bay Area where he joins Ultimall, an Internet startup company. As his fortunes rise and fall with Ultimall, he finds himself with a fat bank account but an increasing sense of emptiness and unease. His search for meaning takes him to Seattle, but tragedy sends him into self-imposed exile. Forced to confront his disillusionment, Jordy eventually finds a way to re-enter the world.

Genres: Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always fun when an author takes a minor character from a previous book and gives them their own story, with an alternate view on the events and characters from the first book. I felt, though, that this book didn't do much on its own, that its value was only the alternate views on the characters from Alma Rose. It didn't have much of a plot, and Jordy's quest to find a meaningful life was a little too overt and taken to extremes (from Internet start-up rich kid to volunteering with poor inner-city youth). Although Jordy himself is philosophical, I felt that his quest didn't make me think very much because I knew it would all get wrapped up at the end.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like a book that is easy to get into and a quick read but that makes one think about the world and where one fits...This one only took me a day to read... a little draggy in the middle but a nice conclusion.

[Susan Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story about an unusual family. Lot of love among the members. A young man who overcomes his abusive background and keeps reaching out to others.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forbes herself is a shadowy character; I can't find out much about her. But I sure wish she'd write some more books.

[Carrie]

glbt fiction

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book. Really liked the character development.