Unseen Companion follows four POV characters, Lorraine being the primary narrator, through life in and around Bethel, Alaska. Their stories connect through a 16-year-old mixed-race child who has been mistreated by the local jailor.

I found the story being very meh. It wasn't terrible, but it also wasn't all that great either. I am sure that there are some people who would like this book, but it definitely wasn't for me. I found the characters to be annoying, and I was never all that invested in the story because of it. There was also sexual assault in the book that was never properly addressed, and a lot of racism that was mostly ignored and never explored. ( )

Finished it but yawn. Wondered if they would actually find the missing boy or what would happen with their lives but not very compelling reading. Wouldn’t recommend.

It's by my creative writing professor from junior year.

Orenstein's language is downright beautiful. The vivid imagery takes readers effortlessly to rural Alaska and into the main character's everyday lives. I admire how the story begins with several unique threads that eventually weave together around--you guessed it--a mysterious 'unseen companion.' This would be a great book to discuss in a class or book club because of the overarching themes, especially those about race, courage, companionship, and growing up. This is an absorbing and touching read. ( )