Just a Regular Boy by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Using the Covid period as the setting for this book, Remy is told by his father that the end is coming and that they need to look after themselves away from everyone else. Not only has Remy's mother died recently, but now he is also taken away from everything he knows including his best friend.  After a long journey they arrive at their destination, in complete darkness. Waking up the next morning, cold and hungry, Remy is utterly confused. With his father's firm guidance he is immediately forced to learn how to survive and to "grow up".

Remy is days shy of his eighth birthday when he finds his father's dead body.  Completely isolated from the world, he has to find a way to survive. With dwindling supplies, he makes a desperate attempt to get some more food and water. 

Navigating his return to the great unknown of civilisation, including hospital treatments for the injuries he's sustained, he is suspicious of other people - are the friends or enemies?

The story of Anne is told in parallel and how she is longing for another foster child, someone who needs her. Via her contacts she hears of the feral boy, and her instinct tells her that she needs to help him.

The story is highly emotional, heartbreaking, and sometimes frustrating. Remy is definitely NOT just a regular boy - but with the love and care from Anne and her family he has a future ahead of him, where he is properly loved and supported. 

Pre-order your copy now - link to Amazon UK:  https://amzn.to/3YKAmka - release date is currently set to 2 May 2023. 

I received an eARC via Netgalley in exchange for a review.

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