Book Review: Hatchet - Gary Paulsen

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, an award-winning wilderness survival book, is quite a short novel but does not disappoint; it is as exciting and detailed than any other good read. With a serene but bitter beginning, you expect it to continue with no action. Instead, the novel dives right in, catching you off guard. A city boy rendered helpless and stranded in the Canadian wilderness, Brian sets off on a long, exhausting journey with countless obstacles in the way. Fighting despair, self-pity and visions of hamburgers, Brian gorges himself on berries and finds shelter in a shallow cave near the lake's edge. His only tool is a hatchet, and this novel is how he overcame every obstacle that came his way with very narrow escapes in an intense and descriptive fashion.

Gary Paulsen does not describe the difficulties Brian faces unrealistically. Readers watch his everyday struggles and new encounters, such as the terrible sickness from eating too many berries and his shock when he realises he has never before heard total silence. Both his failures and triumphs are presented as one life-altering experience. In the two months he spends in the wild utterly alone, Brian undergoes countless emotional and physical changes. Paulsen keeps the reader at Brian's side as he discovers how much strength he has in him. He illustrates the character and reactions of teenage boy Brian flawlessly, making the story even more realistic as it already is. Hatchet is part of a series, and if you enjoyed the book Hatchet, then you would certainly enjoy the other four books. 

This book has an accurate depiction of the necessities of survival, educating you as well as entertaining you at the same time. Although some scenes I thought were too far-fetched, overall I think that it was a well-thought out storyline and would definitely recommend it to anyone that enjoys reading survival stories that are full of action.