Don McGarva

Amanda's Boat Don McGarva

AMANDA'S BOAT A magical year unfolds in the lives of five ordinary people who are drawn together under highly implausible circumstances. Jim and Janet are minding 11-year-old Amanda for the summer in upstate Maine when their placid lives are turned upside down as Amanda gets the preposterous notion to build a boat. Jim explains in quite rational terms why it simply cannot be done, then dismisses the whole thing as a childish whim. But he fails to appreciate the creative wiles of a determined little girl. Amanda locates a retired boatbuilder, which seems to be the perfect solution, but again Jim enumerates the daunting difficulties inherent in any project of such magnitude. There's only one problem - Jim also wants to build a boat. Very badly. After finally acquiescing, Jim meets with Angus, the boatbuilder, and his wife Hilda, but with disappointing results - he is summarily turned down. Our story then takes a series of unusual twists, as the two families develop a closeness that changes their lives forever. But even as this deeply meaningful friendship progresses, Jim begins to sense an emptiness in the older couple's lives. What begins as a few minor inconsistencies is gradually reinforced by gathering evidence of a profound darkness in their past. Jim attempts to ignore his gut feelings, but as events unfold, he becomes enveloped in a powerful emotional roller coaster. Amanda's Boat is a story of love, intrigue, redemption, and the almost cosmic effect we can have on other peoples' lives, often without our even realizing it.