Adrift by Will Dean review

About The Book

Book: Adrift
Author: Will Dean
Standalone or Series: Standalone
Publisher: Hodder
Publication Date (UK): 19th February 2026

🔍Standout Read. Awarded to books I highly recommend.

My Review

Adrift takes place in the Midlands in 1994. Samson is fourteen and lives on a narrowboat with his mother, Peggy, and father, Drew.

The book is full of nostalgia for those who grew up in working class Northern towns in the 90s, though hopefully not too much mind. I loved the references to Panda Pops and Peggy rustling up homemade crisps for her and Samson to share. The school bully segments were a little close for comfort however, especially as someone whose MiniDisc player got smashed up as their school bag was chucked around. I was on edge every time poor Samson’s Walkman was mentioned, especially as music and the radio is such a refuge for him.

There is such a pressure cooker of dread and foreboding as Adrift’s narrative slowly unravels. The setting of the narrowboat works beautifully, amplifying the feelings of claustrophobia and isolation. What if you were trapped in an abusive, controlling relationship but your partner also decided where your home would be moored each night? When you return home, they control the gas, electricity and water, while the limited space leaves no room for privacy or solitude. As Peggy endures one monotonous meal after another of tinned food on toast, you’re waiting for her to stop biding her time and to finally snap.

There are no huge twists as such to the book. It’s clear from the offset what is happening in this domestic noir. I did see one element playing a key part early on but it was rewarding to see this come to light. I loved my time with ADRIFT. Despite it’s dark subject matter, there are moments of tenderness throughout shown in Peggy’s relationship with her son, the birds that appear throughout plus some good egg characters who are a shining light for Samson.

I loved my time with Adrift. Despite its dark subject matter, there are moments of tenderness throughout shown in Peggy’s relationship with her son, the birds that appear throughout plus some good egg characters who are a shining light for Samson.