Road to Bliss
Written by Joan Clark
Random House Canada $14.95
Recommended for ages 12 and up

This new young adult novel by Newfoundland author, Joan Clark, is an interesting read. From the perspective of Jim Hobbs, a teenage boy who is “bored” with school, we are taken from the streets of Toronto to the vast landscape of the Prairies. When the power goes out in the heart of Toronto, Jim finds himself in a subway station, fearing for his life. It is at this moment that he decides it is time to leave the city and head West. Lucky for Jim, he hitches a ride with a trucker who drops him at a small diner where he meets the proprietor, Marilyn. (Interestingly, she plays a pivotal role later in the story when Jim needs her help.)

When Jim “squats” in an abandoned farmhouse, he discovers a whole new way of life – no electricity, no running water, no amenities at all! As he explores his new surroundings, he happens upon Majestic Farm. As it turns out this religious cult will change Jim’s view of the world forever. Soon he manages to land a job as a labourer at Majestic Farm. Along with his meager earnings, Jim is given three square a meals a day – something a growing boy needs. At Majestic Farm Jim meets nice people like Asa and not so nice people like Ben and Hosea. Most importantly, he develops a friendship with Miriam, one of the pastor’s daughters. This friendship is forbidden as dictated by the laws of the Farm. After being shorn for speaking up to her father, Miriam makes a bold decision to leave the Farm and join her older sister in the Town. She asks for Jim’s help. He promises to do so. At the time he is not sure how he will do it but a promise is a promise.

Through a series of exciting events, Jim helps Miriam and her nephew escape and he himself escapes from the cruel hands of Ben and Hosea and not a moment too soon. Throughout his adventures, Jim continues to call home to let his parents know that he is safe and sound. After his daring escape, he decides life is not so bad with his parents.

This novel exposes readers to the strange world of strict religious cults while maintaining a realistic teenage perspective.