e-ARC Review: The Ballad of Huck and Miguel by Tim DeRoche

Blurb (as on Goodreads):

In this retelling of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Tim DeRoche dares to imagine that Huck Finn is alive today. Chased by his vengeful and psychotic father, Pap, Huck escapes down the concrete gash that is the Los Angeles River with his friend Miguel, an illegal immigrant who has been falsely accused of murder. Riding the dangerous waters of a rainstorm, the two fugitives meet a strange cast of Angelenos both animal and human who live down by the river. And they learn the true value of love and loyalty. The Ballad of Huck and Miguel is not only a thrilling urban adventure, but also an inspired tribute to one of the most beloved novels ever written.

A Huckleberry Finn retelling, more like what would happen if Huck, a dreamer at heart, runs away and reached California? The Ballad of Huck and Miguel is one such story. Huck lands up in California because he ran away from Pap and other intense, but super fun events. And that’s when he meets Miguel, an illegal immigrant (or rather, Mexigrant), And soon they become friends. Miguel has fatherly instincts towards Huck and in a series, if rather unfortunate events Huck and Miguel set on an adventure.

But this is no ordinary adventure because there are dangers lurking in the shadows. The author has presented to us the same fun-loving and extremely curious Huckleberry. His zeal to enquire and learn takes him places. The author hasn’t forgotten Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry’s other half. He had his own role to play, and a rather intense one- the savior.

The language is extremely simple and gives you countryside feels. There are spelling mistakes which are adorable (because Huck is illiterate and is the narrator). Huck’s view of the world where illegal immigration is common and how badly they are treated is also very evident. Though the matter has been displayed in an amusing way, the underlying message is loud and clear.

And then there are these adorable illustrations that are a treat to watch while reading. The Adventure of Huck and Miguel is an adventure of a lifetime and a short trip down the memory lane. The story is extremely heartwarming. It is all about finding ‘home’ because home is where the heart is.

Purchase Links:                           |Amazon Hardcover|