Crabbe
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Book Brief
169
Novel • Fiction
•
Education•
Modern Classic FictionCanadian Wilderness • 1980s
1986
Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd
YA
15-18 years
Super Short Summary
Crabbe by William Bell follows Franklin Crabbe, an intelligent but anxious eighteen-year-old from Toronto, who runs away to the Canadian wilderness to escape his parents' and teachers' expectations. His journey is marked by a series of life-threatening challenges that he overcomes with the help of fellow fugitive Mary Pallas, who teaches him survival skills before her tragic death. The story is recounted through Crabbe's journal entries, exploring his growth towards self-discovery and the realization that his identity is his own to shape. The book contains themes of suicide and loss.
Contemplative
Challenging
Emotional
Inspirational
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
1,107 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Crabbe by William Bell is praised for its engaging portrayal of a teenager's struggle for independence and growth in the wilderness. Reviewers commend its realistic characters and relatable themes. However, some criticize the pacing and predictable plot elements. Overall, it's a compelling read for young adults exploring self-discovery.
Who Should Read Crabbe?
Readers who will enjoy Crabbe by William Bell are typically young adults interested in themes of self-discovery, adventure, and rebellion. Fans of books like Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer would appreciate this novel’s exploration of survival and personal growth through a wilderness setting.
1,107 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A knowledgeable former history professor living in the Canadian wilderness, whose guidance and skills in survival play a crucial role in the protagonist's development.
Franklin's father, a corporate lawyer with conventional values, whose frequent drinking and concern for appearances cause tension with his son.
Crabbe's twelfth-grade English teacher who encourages him to think independently, despite being unpopular with other teachers and Crabbe's father.
Franklin's mother, who embodies the role of a traditional, wealthy spouse, often struggling with unhappiness and dependence on prescription medication.
An older nurse at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital who plays a part in encouraging Crabbe to communicate with his parents to mature and advance in life.
169
Novel • Fiction
•
Education•
Modern Classic FictionCanadian Wilderness • 1980s
1986
Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd
YA
15-18 years
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