The Narrative

The Refuge unfolds its tale through a trio of distinct perspectives, presenting a thrilling challenge for both the storyteller and the audience. Rather than immersing the reader solely within the mind of a single protagonist, the narrative sweeps them into a "Rashomon"-style exploration. Here, pivotal events—some of which repeat—are shared through the eyes of Barbara, followed by Stan, and to a lesser degree, Terry.

Terry Parker's Role

Terry Parker emerges as a compelling supporting character. Barbara first glimpsed him as she ventured into her new neighborhood and again at school; however, she overlooked him until Career Day. There, he revealed his aspiration to emulate his father, employed at the City Planning Department. When Stan enlists Terry's help to confirm rumors about the potential demolition and revitalization of the industrial park, Terry beams with pride. Secretly, he has revered Stan, akin to a character from A Tale of Two Cities, ever since Stan confronted bullies on his behalf years prior. Eager to aid Stan, Terry is willing to do whatever it takes, yet all he is asked is to uncover the truth behind the rumors.

Fueled by admiration, Terry becomes an unseen protector, shadowing Stan and watching over him clandestinely. Thus, he finds himself on the scene when Stan ventures out in the darkness to see if Barbara is hiding in the secret garden. Unbeknownst to her, Barbara was truly alone with the fugitive murderer, Norton, only for a fleeting moment at the start of her ordeal. Terry "guards" her until the convict drifts into slumber and then promptly contacts the authorities, while Stan keeps vigil. The once-hopeful, overweight boy dreaming of heroism transforms into a genuine, believable young hero, defending his idol and the idol's lady.

Stan Natyshyn's Struggles

Stan Natyshyn, despite occupying significant space in the narrative, remains a somewhat enigmatic figure. He is painfully aware of his isolation and of being a source of disappointment to his father and brothers. An uncoordinated klutz, more enamored with sketching than with crafting a persona of confidence or competence, his art teacher's insistence on using his full name, Stanislaus, further mortifies him. Beyond these personal struggles, his significance lies in his connection to Barbara.

Barbara only engages with Stan to inquire about his sighting of a rabbit, worried that he might have stumbled upon her cherished secret garden. She seeks drawing tips from him, too. When Stan confides in Barbara about burning his hand to save his sketchbook from the flames of a barrel his father had thrown it into, Barbara gains a new perspective. She realizes her own grievances with family life pale in comparison, as nothing quite so dire has befallen her. Stan's realizations seem inconsequential—both because he is an emerging artist who must remain indifferent to philistine critique, and because, as a narrative figure, he takes a backseat to Barbara's story.

Barbara Coutts' Evolution

Barbara Coutts begins as an entirely self-absorbed young woman, not altogether uncommon at her age. Her mother exercises patience with Barbara's fiery outbursts and accusatory words, which often blame her for the divorce and their new, humbled circumstances. Discovering the secret garden and forging new friendships positively influence Barbara, but it is her father's letdown that truly jolts her into self-awareness, making her realize she can no longer fault her mother for her own missteps or her father's shortcomings.

As the novel unfolds, Barbara undergoes three significant emotional and behavioral transformations. Initially, uncovering the hidden enclave she names Campbell's Bush, she feels a spark of hope and excitement, lessening her dissatisfaction with life's upheavals. Next, a lunch with her father underscores his...