Book Review: The Adventurer's Son by Roman Dial
A book review by Elizabeth Ann Mathews
The Adventurer's Son by Roman Dial
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A parent's worst nightmare--yet still a loving tribute and great adventure story. There are books I’ve read and savored, but then a year later, I can’t remember the exact plot and the characters are blurred. Roman Dial’s book is not one of those. I read Adventurer’s Son a year ago, and the intensity and grief of this father’s story, as well as the fascinating expeditions in Alaska, Borneo, and Costa Rica, live within me. Wilderness explorer Roman Dial’s potent memoir is every parent’s worst nightmare, yet his book is a sensitive tribute to his adventurous and capable son. Raising children to become competent in wilderness with a deep understanding of science and ecology, and adept at scaling mountains and befriending strangers, are goals many of us share but rarely achieve. The book left some questions unanswered, like Why didn’t the family or authorities bring in the search dogs sooner? Dial’s love for his son and family permeate the story. We read memoir to learn and experience through the eyes and hearts of others. I am grateful for Roman Dial’s bravery in writing this difficult story which I hold in my heart like a locket, painful to open, yet important to carry.