Genuinely, I feel that I’ve just read a hidden gem. Looking at the author’s Goodreads turns out with a paucity of reviews. Can this be possible? This story is good. Amaranthine Chevrolet is on-par with, or even more so, than plenty of other ARC novels I’ve read, but with a fraction of the hype.

When 15-year-old Robin Wallenco’s farm manager boss dies, he sets off west from Saskatchewan with an antique ‘42 Chevrolet and no driver’s license. A story described as an “Odyssey,” Robin meets situations such as break-downs, hippies, good Samaritans, and fraught family ties, all the while evading the RCMP. The writing is straightforward, the dialogue short and polite, and yet somehow it’s so very capturing.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book I requested on a whim. I really hope it gets the attention it deserves!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press/Rare Machines for the ARC.

This little book packs a punch!

I requested this for the journey theme (I love a good road trip!) and the nostalgic look at historical Canada from a place and perspective I've not read before. It didn't disappoint.
The ground we cover geographically and emotionally is expansive. There's grief and joy, moments that show both the good and bad in humanity, and a delightfully rag-tag group of folk we meet along the way. Robin was a fantastic character to spend time with, just a nice kid. His almost spiritual connection with the '42, and the revelations on why he was so determined to get the truck to the West Coast, were fantastically rendered. I loved how the mechanics of the '42 and Robin's knowledge of its care were worked into the narrative throughout the story. His love of the truck was infectious! The ending was profoundly moving.

The writing style and lack of grammar punctuation took a bit of getting used to but fits the work perfectly. I liked the use of unusual and made-up words and I got an immensely strong feeling of both people and place from Saskatchewan to B.C. The pace was strong: not frantic but steadily moving along, I felt tension where I was supposed to but it wasn't drawn out gratuitously. Tense moments were balanced with joyful moments too. As I said, the book packs an impressive emotional range.

The only thing that I didn't care for was the misogynistic view the older man had of women. It's likely nothing more than a comment on the times, but I didn't care for it, personally.

Check this one out, particularly if you have a connection to the place, or have ever loved a classic truck. It won't disappoint!

Also, that cover is just stunning!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book!

I thoroughly enjoyed every part of it. Ultimately, at its core, it is one boy's trip from adolescence into adulthood, as seen through a single trip across the country in search of reuniting with family. Along the way he meets with a number of interesting characters as he keeps a low profile--he's not legal to drive quite yet--driving through the forgotten landscape of rural Canada. It delves into a time when kindness could be found at every turn, and compassion was something people still retained. Every person he meets along his journey gives him some valuable form of knowledge, a piece of themselves that helps him find himself.

The book was quiet as in there is not much that sets you on edge, there is no real conflict outside of his need to keep his head down and his trip quiet. Each person he meets presents him with a different conundrum, a different viewpoint or lifestyle. It read more like a Steinbeck book than anything, or a book written in a different time. This is the type of book meant to be enjoyed, for lessons to be taken away, not simply for entertainment purposes. It's a rare narrative we don't often see any longer and for that I give it five stars.

"Freedom for me is where this truck can get me."

At the age of almost sixteen and an antique Chevrolet pickup truck, Robin begins his travel, west from Saskatchewan to the golden shores of long island, to meet his family and to resume his studies. A journey of lifetime. Without a driver's license, without any experience of life in its raw form. What would a teenager do?

A travel of a thousand dreams, hippies weaving their mystic lands, unannounced men who gave their heart and soul, marijuana chaos, Orville and his wheels, Karen and her last orange crush, Aldis and her futile promise, Tim and the brotherly trust, John and his philosophy of people's connections- "stops are part of the fun. There's no hold-ups. Just interesting layovers."

Right from the beginning, I felt like I'm reading a work of John Steinbeck, the purity of common life scribed across the pages. Maybe that's what glued me to this manuscript until the end. Random bursts of happiness and togetherness, people having each other's backs and a community coming together to be there for them. The wildfire. The mist from the heavens. The strength of humanity.

I hope Robin finally found love. Enrolled in the school, and went to college. I hope he excelled in his studies and lead a happy life now. I hope Tim is free, away from the abusive family and making a life of his own. I hope the hippies finally reached their paradise. May the summer vacation of John be forever filled with the warm scent of waffles and the joy of Trouble. May Robin's mom finally get a chance to slow down, watch her boys become men and be proud of them. May Orville reach his destination, his ride smoother than ever. May every single soul in this book find happiness and peace. For Robin must've wished for it, one of them nights while he lied in his sleeping bag behind the pickup van, staring at the sky, the stars bleeding down.

Thank you Dundurn press and NG for this amazing book!