The further you run the closer you get to the truth…
An instant classic for fans of Where the Crawdads Sing and We Begin at the End!
The most heartbreaking and beautifully written debut novel of 2021. One summer night in Wisconsin, the lives of two ten-year-old boys are changed forever…
Tired of seeing his best friend Dale Breadwin abused by his alcoholic father, Fischer Branson takes action. A gunshot rings out, and Bread and Fish flee into the woods. They build a raft, but the river quickly leads them into even greater danger.
In their wake travel a group of adults – each determined to save the boys from the terrors of Ironsford Gorge.
The further they go, the more the wilderness starts to change them in profound and unexpected ways. And when they reach the edge of the Gorge itself, they begin to understand the true violence and beauty of the natural world, and its ability to heal.
No matter where you run danger will always follow…
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Raft of Stars by Andrew J. Graff is a moving story about two young schoolboys. Dale Breadwin (Bread) lives with his alcoholic and abusive father. He spends a lot of time with Fischer Branson (Fish) who lives with his grandfather. The boys run away after Fish shoots Bread’s father to stop the abuse. They build a raft and plan to head down river to escape. The story follows a group of adults who are all determined to stop the boys before they reach the dangers of Ironsford Gorge. It is a well-written story, with excitement, emotion, suspense, covering all the characters involved. It shows how people can change or react under pressure. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fay, VIC, 5 Stars
A heart-wrenching tale. I loved the back and forwards between the different characters and points of view. From the first page, this book felt reminiscent of Where the Crawdads Sing and I knew I was going to love it. Stevie, NSW, 5 Stars
What a captivating story! The beautiful, lyrical and yet also gritty writing grabbed me instantly and didn’t let go. As the story of Fish and Bread unfolded in the forest I found myself struggling to put the book down, and feeling deeply for these two young boys. The author has done an incredible job of painting the story in my mind –I felt as though I was right there beside them in the forest. Truly a wonderful read! Nicole, NSW, 5 Stars
This was a completely unexpected wild ride of a story, centred around two ten-year-old boys on the run from their families and the law after something unspeakable happens. It reminded me a little bit of Huckleberry Finn, only this was far more intense. I’d also call it a coming of age story in a way, although the boys are still so young in their flight across the wilderness. But it’s also about the people chasing after them, desperate to save them, that attests to the power of love, and how the fierceness of that love can take people by surprise and do things they would normally never do. An absolutely un-putdownable story. Malvina, NSW, 5 Stars
I was slightly exhausted after reading Raft of Stars by Andrew J Graff. A slow start whilst the characters are established then full-on action for the remainder of the book. Characters were believable and I found myself empathising with the pursuers and the pursued through the rugged countryside to the dramatic climax. The personal subplots like the budding relationship between the sheriff and the waitress were well-drawn, very amusing and quite touching. The author kept my attention with crisp dialogue and continuous action. Ian, WA, 5 Stars
A fast-paced novel with believable characters that you won’t be able to put down. I am normally a slow reader however I read this book in only three days. I enjoyed the plot of Fish and Bread, both 10-year-old boys that spend summers together when Fish comes to visit his grandfather at Claypot, Wisconsin during school break. These boys come from very different lifestyles who after an altercation with Bread’s drunk and abusive father mistakenly believe Fish has killed him. The boys run away and build a raft to escape by river. The chase ensues with both Cal the Sheriff and Teddy, Fish’s grandfather, on horseback to track and rescue the boys. Cookie-eating Constable Bobby, a minor character in the book, is my favourite character as he is very like someone I know and am fond of in my life. I look forward to further reads by Andrew J Graff. Thank you to Harlequin Marketing and Better Reading for this book in exchange for my review. Vicki, QLD, 5 Stars
Bread and Fish had me from the beginning. Thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this book. I was riding the rapids and gripping the raft for dear life to the very end! Two young boys coming of age and not fully understanding danger is not always in those we know, but also in nature. Powerful. Jacqui, QLD, 5 Stars
Raft of Stars was such a wonderful journey. It’s hard to remember the last time I was left feeling so gorgeously satisfied at the end of a book. There was an authentic balance between darkness and light, exploring the potential for evil inside each of us. Reminiscent of the classic Conrad’s Heart of Darkness – there’s a long river journey where characters are confronted with the worst of themselves and humankind. But, unlike Heart of Darkness, Raft of Stars presents hope and light as an attainable ideal. The story opens with 10-year-old mates Bread and Fish stuffing their shirts with tiny turtles, trying to save as many as they can. The turtles are ‘snappers’ a mean variety that in adulthood scare the boys on their walks to school. But the boys conclude that maybe these ones won’t end up being mean. There’s an obvious parallel as Bread’s father is a mean and abusive individual. And Bread is determined to be a better person. The writing was beautiful – I confess I did have to read parts of it out loud to anyone who would listen. The pace and story are perfectly constructed. This book gives light to our dark times. Amy, NSW, 5 Stars
I loved loved loved this book so much – this was very different to my usual read. It was exciting, sad and funny – an amazing debut novel that you do not want to miss. I would like to know more about these characters that we went on this journey with. Debbie, VIC, 5 Stars
Fantastic! Real characters in a real wild environment. I felt like I was there and did not want to leave. I love camping and mother nature, and always loved the thought of being in the vast wilderness with bears and deer and forests and snow! But the next best thing is a book which takes you there. I felt for the characters, the great plot and sceneries! My problem with this book is that it ended so I will have to start reading it again. I am putting this one on my favourite list. Thank you Andrew Graff for a great novel. In a world where we can not travel, I felt like I was somewhere else for a while! Ray, WA, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. Right away the characters came alive. This was a story of two boys and the other people in their lives. When they thought they had killed a man, they decided to run away, and this is where the adventure begins. Their family who are all facing their own problems, band together to help find the boys. They all learn from the wilderness and each other, and look inside themselves to better understand themselves and each other. Margaret, TAS, 5 Stars
This is not a book I would normally have chosen to read but I am so pleased I had the opportunity to read it. It is about two 10-year-old boys who have lived through many hardships, have supported each other through those hardships and choose to run away to escape a crime. The boys are most endearing, although I did wonder if two 10-year-old boys would be capable of doing what those boys did, but then it is a story. The adventures they had were gripping and I couldn’t put the book down. I have to add that the colourful adults who were searching for them added to the wonderful read. Andrew Graff has written a fast-paced quite wonderful book and I look forward to reading his next one. It is one of the best books I have read and feel certain it would also appeal to a young adult audience. Eileen, NSW, 5 Stars
Two ten-year-old boys in a small town, one with an abusive father, the other living with the ghost of a soldier father who won’t be coming home from the war. One night when one of them is being abused by his father, his friend accidentally shoots the father in the head. Thinking they have killed him, they run off into the woods; fugitives from those looking for them before they succumb to the dangers in the forest. The four adults tracking them, and the boys, all have their own demons within; and it is the great wilderness that eventually teaches each of them to face their fears and change their lives forever. A most enjoyable read. Terry, SA, 5 Stars
Oh my, this incredible debut novel is simply stunning! I didn’t want it to end, and I spent the entirety of the last part of the book in tears, but with a big goofy smile on my face at the same time. This beautiful book is full of hope, gorgeous characters and friendship. And wow… SO many feels! When two young boys with the strongest of friendships embark on a journey as “fugitives” (so they think) through the wilderness, a story unfolds full of realistic characters that you absolutely fall in love with. Every single one of them! Throughout the treacherous journey in a stunning natural landscape, strengths these characters never knew they had are found and life lessons learnt. While the adults are searching for the boys, they build beautiful friendships and discover themselves too. This story makes your heart swell and at times brings you to tears, but also brings laughter and joyfulness too. My gosh I loved this book, with it’s stunning imagery, exquisite writing and the way it pulls at your emotions. I will certainly read it again and recommend it highly. It’s a book that should be on everyone’s bookshelves! Chryssie, QLD, 5 Stars
Fantastic read, get on it is all I can say. James, WA, 5 Stars
A very enjoyable read. Down to earth story, well written. Very intriguing, would definitely recommend it. Kathleen, NSW, 5 Stars
Raft of Stars was a great book. I loved the descriptive writing from the beginning and I was soon engrossed in the landscape and with the distinctive characters and their wilderness adventure. The book is a journey for many of the characters and it cleverly draws on the reader’s emotions making it a journey for the reader too. For Fish and Bread it is a difficult coming-of-age adventure, with dark overtones, many risks and great fear. Their journey pulls the reader in quickly and the gripping plot builds to a heart-thumping climax. The themes of childhood abuse, the power of friendship and the search for individual happiness are relevant and timeless and lead to a truly satisfying conclusion. I loved the characters of Cal and Tiffany and admired the wisdom and experience of Teddy. They are all characters who stay with you after the tale is finished. Raft of Stars is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Diane, NSW, 5 Stars
Just finished reading Raft of Stars by Andrew J. Graff. I read it easily in a few hours, the story flowed quite well. The boys’ friendship was believable, and I found myself taken along for the ride. The characters were a collection of damaged people, but in the main, not too hard to relate to. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. Thank you to Better Reading for a preview copy in return for an unbiased review of this book. Tracy, VIC, 4 Stars
A touching coming of age story encompassing loss, friendship and the wild. This is an atmospheric novel with a strong sense of place. One can’t help but feel that they have been thrust deep into the wilderness with the central characters. Told in an authentic voice of two young boys Fish (Fischer) and Bread (Dale Breadwin) we follow their journey after a harrowing accident. The four adults that feature in the story that go searching for the missing boys are also flawed and have their secrets. This is a story about holding close the ones you love and discovering what is truly important in life. Highly recommended. Hayley, SA, 4 Stars
Raft of Stars was a rollicking good read reminiscent of Huckleberry Finn but with a slightly sinister edge. Fish and Bread are schoolboy friends living in the backwoods of Wisconson. Bread’s dad leaves a lot to be desired in the parenting department and one night a shot rings out and the boys escape into the woods. The plot centres on the two boys but also delves into the life of the people trying to find them. A great page-turner as the suspense builds as the rescuers try to catch the boys before the river does. Katrina, VIC, 4 Stars
Raft of Stars tells the story of two young boys forced to grow up too soon. This book is distressing and heartwarming in equal measure, with characters that you will be cheering on to succeed. The unexpected twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. I recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers and/or books set in the Australian outback. Anne, VIC, 4 Stars
Raft of Stars is a beautiful debut novel by Andrew J Graff. The two main characters, 10-year-old boys Bread and Fish will quickly steal your heart. Bread and Fish are on the run in the wilderness after they believe they have committed a crime. Their friendship is the heart and soul of this book and will tug on your heartstrings. Four adults, the sheriff, Fish’s mother and grandfather and Tiffany the service station attendant, are also together in the bush, on a desperate search for the boys. I love that we find out about each of these characters and their journey as well. This book is so descriptive, maybe at times I found it a bit too much, but I think that was also my own impatience to find out what would happen next. This is a beautiful story of friendship and overcoming obstacles in our lives and I would definitely recommend this book. I also think my 12-year-old son will love this one and I suggest you pass it on to any young adult readers in your house. Thank you Better Reading for the opportunity to preview this novel. Kim, VIC, 4 Stars
I’m not crying there’s just something in my eye… A modern-day Tom Sawyer tale of two boys on the lam, in the wild woods of Wisconsin after getting in some trouble. Bread and Fish are two 10-year-old boys on the run, who build a raft and go on a journey of survival and dreams. A story of resilience and grief and what it takes to be a boy of 10, not yet a man. The reader is left on the edge of their seat as the boys’ risk peril over and over. A bunch of the town’s residents, including Fish’s mum and the county sheriff, are desperate to find the boys in time and get them home safe. The wilds have plenty of unknown dangers in store, but the journey they take is as much spiritual as physical. Trigger warning for gun violence. Claire, VIC, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this coming of age story of two ten-year-old boys, one from an abusive home, who believe they have committed a crime and run away. I was hooked from the first chapter and eagerly awaited to see how far they would go for their friendship. Andrew J. Graff’s debut novel was a big hit with me and I look forward to his next novel. Trudy, SA, 4 Stars
10-year-old best friends, Fish and Bread, both have dealt with things in their young lives that you wouldn’t wish for two young boys. Fish’s mother has sent him to his grandfather’s farm in Wisconsin every summer for the last three years. He has become best friends with Bread, they have become like brothers. Bread has an alcoholic abusive father and one night Fish decides to go help his friend. But one gunshot changes the boys’ lives and they run away into the woods. Fish’s mother and grandfather as well as the Town Sheriff and the local gas station attendant set off to look for the boys. Each of them has a secret or a past they wish to forget or move on from. The time spent in the woods and the challenges and danger they face changes them and their perspectives. I really enjoyed this novel and the writing was excellent. You felt like you knew all the characters and also felt like you were right there with them all. Thank you to Better Reading #BRPreveiw for giving me this opportunity to read a wonderful book and share my thoughts. Renae, QLD, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book, resonating with themes of family, growth and finding your path in life to be a ‘strong and good’ person despite adversity as a child. There is plenty of humour within to balance the pathos. The beautiful book cover is very appealing and drew me into the story of best friends ‘Bread’ and ‘Fish’ as they set off on a Huck Finn style adventure, enjoying their freedom and adventure at the start but having a growing awareness of the dangers around and the consequences of the actions they are fleeing from. The characters are beautifully drawn and the narration from different points of view kept me turning the pages. I loved silent but strong Teddy and Tiffany with her broken but loving heart the best. All have had their fair share of sorrow and suffering but unlike the snapping turtles at the books opening which aren’t mean yet but will “get mean once they grow up,” all are resilient and good-hearted despite all. I leave the book feeling hopeful for their futures. These are people who are not related but have ‘found their tribe’ and will go forward supporting each other as a family. Rhiann, WA, 4 Stars
Raft of Stars is a powerful story of friendship, family, loneliness, fear and secrets. Sad at times where you can feel their despair, the characters and story also provide inspiration and suspense in spades. The last chapters of the book will have you on the edge of your seat. The setting is a rural town in Wisconsin, predominantly on a river, and the writing makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. The two young boys and the adults that surround them are well developed with the story delving into the relationships they have, and would like to have. The coming of age aspect applies not only to the boys but also to the adults who are still finding their way in the world. The boys, Fish and Bread, are the strongest of friends on the lookout for each other and embark on an unplanned wild journey as they escape Bread’s domestic violence situation and Fish’s crime. Fish’s grandfather and the local sheriff set off on horseback, followed by Fish’s mother and the local gas station attendant in a canoe, in a race against time to get to the boys and bring them home safely. Jodi, QLD, 4 Stars
Raft of Stars is a confronting book full of action, adventure and heartbreak. Fish and Bread are two ten-year-old boys who are on the run in the woods. Fish has rescued Bread from his abusive father, but now they think the police are after them. They build a raft to escape those pursuing them, but are quickly faced with danger after danger of the wild. The story builds as the boys are heading towards a dangerous gorge and have adults pursuing them, unwittingly pushing them towards it. The tension mounts beautifully towards the climax and it’s the sort of story you don’t want to end. Inessa, NSW, 3 Stars
Set in the small town of Claypot Wisconsin, two 10-year-old boys become firm friends. Fish is sent to stay with his grandfather for the summer after his own father is killed and Bread lives with his abusive, alcoholic father. The boys think that they have committed a crime and flee into the forest to avoid the law. Four adults track them down. Fish’s mother Miranda, Tiffany a petrol station attendant who becomes friends with Miranda, Teddy, Fish’s grandfather and Cal the town Sheriff. The time in the wilderness helps each of the characters to re-evaluate their lives. Vivien, ACT, 2 Stars
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