93 pages • 3 hours read
William BellCrabbe
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1986A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Crabbe by William Bell follows Franklin Crabbe, an intelligent but anxious eighteen-year-old from Toronto, who runs away to the Canadian wilderness to escape his parents' and teachers' expectations. His journey is marked by a series of life-threatening challenges that he overcomes with the help of fellow fugitive Mary Pallas, who teaches him survival skills before her tragic death. The story is recounted through Crabbe's journal entries, exploring his growth towards self-discovery and the realization that his identity is his own to shape. The book contains themes of suicide and loss.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Crabbe by William Bell is praised for its engaging portrayal of a teenager's struggle for independence and growth in the wilderness. Reviewers commend its realistic characters and relatable themes. However, some criticize the pacing and predictable plot elements. Overall, it's a compelling read for young adults exploring self-discovery.
Who Should Read Crabbe?
Readers who will enjoy Crabbe by William Bell are typically young adults interested in themes of self-discovery, adventure, and rebellion. Fans of books like Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer would appreciate this novel’s exploration of survival and personal growth through a wilderness setting.