Adrift by Will Dean follows Peggy and her son Samson as a spontaneous move onto a rundown canal boat becomes a slow tightening trap. What begins as Drew’s dream of a quieter life to fuel his writing; slowly turns into a world of isolation, control, and fear, where freedom disappears inch by inch. Told through dual points of view, the story pulls you inside a family where love runs deep, even as emotional damage quietly reshapes everything. As Peggy and Samson try to survive the life Drew has chosen for them, the walls close in until escape feels almost impossible.
I will read anything Will Dean writes, and this novel reminded me why. He has an uncanny ability to grab hold of your emotions and refuse to let go. The story is dark, unsettling, and deeply sad, but it also carries an aching tenderness, especially in the unconditional love between a mother and her child. The claustrophobic tension builds with every chapter, mirroring the control tightening around Peggy and Samson, until you feel as emotionally drained as they do. I was grateful I read all the way through the author’s notes, which add even more weight to the story and its real world relevance.
This book comes from a painful place, yet it is one that deserves attention. It explores grief, love, and the quiet ways people can hurt one another even if they are doing what they believe is best. Adrift resonated with me and challenged me to step into someone else’s experience of trauma and survival. It is intense, heartbreaking, and beautifully written. Ten out of ten, an incredible story I will not soon forget.
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