Dick's Desertion: A Boy's Adventures in Canadian Forests: A Tale of the Early Settlement of Ontario

Published in the early 20th century, 'Dick's Desertion: A Boy's Adventures in Canadian Forests' by Marjorie L. C. Pickthall follows the journey of Dick Underwood, a boy from a struggling settler family in Ontario. As he navigates the challenges of frontier life alongside his sister Stephanie, the story delves into themes of adventure, family bonds, and the allure of nature. The narrative contrasts the beauty of the Canadian wilderness with the emotional struggles of the Underwood family, particularly after the death of their mother and their father's detachment, leading Dick to grapple with his ties to home and the call of the wild.