Return to Solitude is the second book on Desolation Sound by Grant Lawrence, and it deserves to be on your summer reading list. His first book was Adventures in Solitude – What not to wear to a naked potluck and other stories from Desolation Sound. I was initially skeptical of Grant’s first book. After it was released in 2010, it was on bookshelves everywhere in BC. I thought the title was a gimmick to suck you in, and I avoided the book for four years. Finally, I gave in and read the book – and I was glad I did! Grant is a humorist and an excellent storyteller. I could relate to the stories in the book since I had cruised around many of the places in Desolation Sound which he described in colorful detail. I loved it; and when his new book came out, I grabbed a copy, read it, and laughed through an entire weekend.
The stories of Grant’s family experiences and the characters that once lived in this area are unique and highly entertaining. Characters such as The Cougar Lady, or the Spaghetti Bandit, and Russell the Hermit will keep you entertained, along with the area’s fascinating history. When the stories weave through Lund and some of the other towns that boaters are familiar with, you can just picture what it must have been like.
Solitude… is a sequel to the Adventures… book, but you do not need to read Adventures… first in order to thoroughly enjoy Grant’s second book. While many of the stories and characters carry over, the book stands on its own, and you may even decide to read Adventures… later. Even better, read both this summer while cruising in Desolation Sound.
Return to Solitude is available in the Waggoner Online Store and at our Anacortes book shop (910 B 25 Street) for $22.95.
