The River (Gary Paulsen novel)

The River, also known as The Return^[1] and Hatchet: The Return^[2], is a 1991 young adult novel by Gary Paulsen. It is the second installment in the Hatchet series, but third in terms of chronology with Brian's Winter serving as an alternative second book.

Plot summary

Brian Robeson, a 13 year old boy who spent 54 days surviving alone in the Canadian wilderness the previous summer, is hired by the government to repeat his actions again by living in the woods with only a knife and surviving only by his wits, so the military can learn his survival techniques. Though reluctant at first, Brian eventually agrees. This time, instead of being alone, Brian is accompanied by Derek Holtzer, a government psychologist, as the two set off for a remote Canadian location.

Though the government insisted the duo take emergency supplies, Brian insists they abandon everything but a folding saw and an emergency radio, saying that it would be impossible to eat bugs and sleep in the rain if a tent and prepared food is within reach. During their stay, things take a grim turn when their camp is struck by lightning, which knocks Derek into a coma and destroys the radio. Knowing that Derek will die of dehydration long before anyone finds them, Brian builds a raft in a desperate bid to bring Derek down the river to Brannock's Trading Post for emergency aid.

References