No Forwarding Address is quite a different novel, a true coming-of-age story.

Edward, son of rich upper-class parents, ends up shipwrecked on a backwater planet reminiscent of Earth in the Middle Ages. He is taken in by a peasant family and must learn to adapt to a new culture, religion, and work ethic. The culture-shock he experiences serves as a catalyst, helping him grow as an individual into a person worth respecting.

Although classified as science fiction, the actual sci-fi elements are few and far between, as the majority of the story occurs in the aforementioned almost medieval setting, with Edward learning to take care of farm animals and do similar menial work, which he has never had to do before.

The story itself is intriguing, and the plot is solid. While the first few chapters moved a little slowly, the climax of the novel (Edward’s absolutely lowest point) was particularly moving. The ending was perhaps a little predictable, but it was a satisfying conclusion.

However, there were several weak points to the novel.

Firstly, the characterization is a little shallow. Edward is introduced as a spoilt rich kid, but seems self-aware of his brattiness, which seems rather odd. Furthermore, he manages to adapt to the new society quite quickly, and, barring a few moments, experiences no homesickness or grief for his lost family and home, which I found hard to swallow. It doesn’t help that his integration with the society is speeded along by a rather deux ex implant: I would’ve preferred to see him struggle more.

Secondly, the writing itself is unpolished and raw. There were continuity errors (such as first writing ’10′ immediately followed by ‘nine’), and numerous basic grammar errors (such as confusions between there and they’re). I would really recommend the author copyedited the novel properly.

Furthermore, the story is written in a diary log format, and falls into the typical pitfall of that style, focusing more on telling the reader about events rather than showing them. This does improve in later chapters, but some revision could strengthen the story.

Thirdly, the language itself (as befits a diary style) is often colloquial and friendly, but sometimes fluctuates towards a more formal and educated tone, which does not suit the protagonist’s voice at all, considering he is, at the beginning, a 15 year old.

Lastly, there are several instances in which the point of view changes. This is particularly jarring in the first chapter, where the POV changes from Edward to an unknown narrator (omniscient? the computer?), but also occurs later on, switching between village elders and Edward, and ultimately Edward’s parents and Edward. Considering the main focus of this story is Edward’s journey into adulthood, I think the story would be much improved if it stuck solely to Edward’s point of view.

All in all, this story reads very much like a first draft.  While I have indicated many areas which need revision, I should point out that the plot itself is enjoyable, and, if revised, I’d be happy to up the rating.

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No Fowarding Address tells us the story of Edward, a spoiled rich kid who finds himself suddenly immersed in a culture totally foreign to his own. In the first 36 chapters, we see how we copes with the dislocation and the language barrier and grows to adopt the mores of his adopted folk. The writing is clean and accessible, [more . . .]

It was really good. I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to others.

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