We Can Never Leave

Gr 10 Up–The Caravan exists to hide supernatural semi-humans from the world. Some are born into the Caravan, and some are found—and they are always amnesiac about their past. Thanks to horrific rituals and cruelties, no one grows up undamaged. One morning, five Caravan teens find themselves alone. Nonbinary Bird tried to live with their human father, but failed to fit in. Venomous Cal, always a pariah, fights desperate, bloody yearnings. Newcomer Eamon, darkly shadowed, understands neither himself nor his past. Antlered Hugo burns with violent fire, especially since Bird, the soulmate who abandoned him, returned. Gentle Felix, Hugo’s brother, wants to keep everyone happy. Embarking on a road trip dripping with vicious words and violence, the five try to make sense of themselves, their relationships, and what has happened to them. This chilling, character-driven thriller has much to recommend it. Switching between viewpoints, a non-chronological story builds the tale between present-day and “before,” with occasional interpolations from an intrusive, unidentified narrator. The characters, mostly cued white, are distinct and interesting, if often difficult to like; their upbringing and abilities have left them with few resources to approximate healthy behavior. However, the lyrical language can stray into convoluted metaphors that may pull readers out of the story. Also, the mystery is compelling, but the ending leaves a frustrating number of unanswered questions. Strong language, violence, and disturbing incidents reflect the characters’ harrowing pasts.