Boy Underground by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Seattle: Lake Union Publishing, 2021. 336 pages. ***** Book Club Questions. Publication Date December 7, 2021.
It's 1941, Steven Katz is the son of a wealthy landowner in California and has distanced himself from his school friends. While trying out for the high school baseball team to please his father, Steven meets Suki, the son of a field worker who introduces him to Nick and Ollie. The four become fast friends even though Steven knows his parents will not approve of his new friends, they become inseparable. Life in the United States is changing particularly in rural California. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor Steven and his friends each have their own challenges to face and overcome. Suki's family is relocated to an internment camp at Manzanar and forced to take only what they can carry. Ollie enlists in the Army and is gone before they know it. Nick is accused of brutally beating a man even though he has an alibi since he was camping with his three friends. The police aren't interested in where Nick says he was that night since it is his own father who claims his son did it. Steven suggests hiding Suki and Nick at his father's immense farm so that they will not be separated from each other. Only one of the boys takes him up on his offer and Steven hides him in the root cellar. Responsibility for his friend's every need begins to wear on Steven especially when his family is unconcerned and disconnected from what is happening to others because of the war. Staying true to his convictions isolates Steven and reinforces how different he is from his family and the people in town. Forced to make difficult and adult decisions, Steven finds his voice and to verbalize what's important to him.
Hyde has taken a very difficult time in American history and a sensitive subject to explore through the friendship of four very different young men and their families. Hyde creates complex characters who clearly compliment each other and have strong voices that resonate throughout the story. Awakening feelings for the same sex are handled beautifully and suggest that this will make an excellent YA book. Family values are an integral part of each boy even when he has to overcome them to do what is right for him.
Each of Hyde's books are unique and I love that she explores a sensitive topic (more than one) and always includes an animal with a pivotal role. I know that once started, I will not put her book down until the very end. I started Boy Underground on a flight from Orlando to Philadelphia and I finished it on the same day.
Once again Hyde has written an excellent story about friendship, the kindness of strangers, family values and the strength and goodness of people. The fact that she can so eloquently express her character's thoughts and feelings provides insight to a time and place. As Churchill once said, "Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it."
I received a copy for review.
Other Hyde books reviewed by me:
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of forty published and forthcoming books. An avid traveler, equestrian, and amateur photographer, she shares her astrophotography with readers on her website.
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