Coming of age tale has fine balance
A Possibility of Whales Karen Rivers Thomas Allen & Son | $22.95
The early teenage years can be tough enough without adding in complicating factors such as a famous father, an entirely absent (and equally famous, as it turns out) mother — and a crush.
These are just some of the things that 12-yearold Natalia Rose Baleine Gallagher has to navigate in the touching tale A Possibility of Whales. And, truth be told, the fictional character makes doing so look rather easy.
In her latest novel, Victoria-based author Karen Rivers crafts a coming-of-age story that’s both relatable and moving — without being either too saccharine or angsty. She strikes the perfect tone of innocence, confusion and a touch of obstinance with Natalia, as she wades into the wild world of growing up.
The daughter of fictitious celebrity XAN GALLAGHER (cheekily referred to throughout the book in all caps, as though to underscore how larger than life the Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson-inspired character is), Natalia seems well-adjusted to being in the spotlight — and under the lens of a particular paparazzo. But, as the reader gets to know the tween throughout the book, it becomes apparent just how much of a struggle living life in the public eye can really be.
But, it’s not just Natalia’s famous family situation that runs as a central theme throughout the book. Rivers ventures into the LGBTQ conversation with the introduction of Harry (stubbornly referred to as Harriet by his seemingly ignorant father), a fast friend of Natalia’s who has declared that, despite being born a girl, that he’s actually a boy. Harry bravely navigates the tricky territory of teenage drama and a less-than-healthy, at-home atmosphere, effectively becoming a character readers can root for.
A Possibility of Whales is a bright, optimistic book that touches on growing up, celebrity visibility, transgender topics and more — refreshingly, and without being too weighed down with any insurmountably sombre notes.
If only puberty could go so smoothly for everyone.