The Borrower, a novel by Rebecca Makkai, centers on Lucy Hull, a twenty-six year old children’s librarian in Hannibal, Missouri. Her favorite patron, 10 year old Ian Drake, a voracious reader, sneaks books past his overprotective Evangelical mother with Lucy’s help.When Lucy discovers Ian hiding out in the library after hours with plans of escape and a backpack full of food and other provisions, she decides to drive him home. However, Lucy also urgently wants to save Ian from the Drakes, and the weekly anti-gay classes they have enrolled him in.
Rather than bring Ian home to his parents like she planned, Lucy finds herself on her way out of Hannibal, and Missouri, after allowing herself to be hijacked by the rebellious ten year old.
A fun and exciting read, Makkai keeps you hooked throughout this unlikely pair’s travels from Missouri to Vermont. With help from her Russian immigrant father through his shady connections, Lucy and Ian dodge the many obstacles in their path, having several interesting adventures along the way.
Reviewed by Kayla Britt
