Lisa Brideau Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Lisa Brideau is a Canadian author best known for her 2023 novel Adrift. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, Lisa’s literary work is deeply influenced by the enormous amount of science fiction she consumed during her early years, with a layer of Canadian literature as a finishing touch.

She earned her Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University and her Master of Science in Urban Planning from the University of British Columbia. She is currently employed as a sustainability specialist. When not trying to save the world from severe climate change, she enjoys crafting speculative fiction or improving her waltz. Lisa lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the traditional lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations with her spouse and their pet cats.

In Adrift, the main character awakens to a world of confusion aboard a sailboat named the Sea Dragon, with her memory wiped clean and her identity a mystery. Clutching a note advising her to forge ahead without looking back, she discovered a Canadian ID labeled Sarah Jane Song. A name that rings false to her core. She quickly figures out that she’s suffering from amnesia, a condition deliberately induced to help her elude a nebulous group of enemies. Despite her unfamiliarity with her reflection, she finds solace in her unexpected knowledge of sailing, which aids her in determining her location in the chilly waters south of Alaska, in the expansive Pacific Northwest.

However, her sanctuary on the sea is not without its problems. The Sea Dragon is critically low on drinkable water, a predicament she attributes to a faulty water tank. Relying on the boat’s collection of nautical charts, she navigates towards the nearest land, driven by a mix of survival instinct and a deep-seated need to unravel the mysteries of her past and the broader implications it may have on the world around her. As she makes landfall, the pieces of her complex puzzle form a clearer picture, offering her a glimmer of hope in her quest for answers and resolution.

In 2038, Canada emerges as a destination for climate refugees, prompting stringent border controls. Our protagonist, Ess, navigates her challenges. Despite having her documents sorted, she grapples with the fear of inadvertently revealing her amnesia-induced social awkwardness, concealing her lack of identity.

Adding to her unease are reports of amnesiacs discovered adrift off the western coast, casting suspicion on their intentions. Hito, an acquaintance from the Harbor Authority, informs Ess of the skepticism surrounding these cases, hinting at potential asylum fraud.
Intrigued by the mystery of the amnesiacs and her yearning for companionship, Ess forms a bond with Hito, treading cautiously as her feelings for him and his sister, Yori, deepen. Amidst their growing connection, Ess must balance her quest for answers with safeguarding her privacy and security.

As relentless storms batter the Western seaboard, Ess confronts critical questions about her past and the risks associated with uncovering it. She faces a dilemma: to what extent is she willing to pursue the truth, and is it worth jeopardizing the fragile yet valuable friendships she has forged? The story unfolds against the backdrop of a past that may hold little significance compared to the bonds she has formed in the present.

Adrift is a near-future eco-thriller that delves deeply into the intricacies of identity, memory, and the human condition amid a climate-ravaged world. Ess’s journey to rediscover herself becomes a compelling narrative thread that ties together the broader themes of environmental catastrophe and human resilience.

Lisa Brideau skillfully paints a believable scenario of a future Earth where the repercussions of climate change manifest in sudden, devastating weather events, bringing the urgent need for global awareness and action to the forefront. The narrative does not shy away from the controversial issue of human migration, presenting an essential commentary on the rights of refugees. It champions that everyone deserves dignity and a chance at a safe life, critiquing current and future policies toward those displaced by environmental disasters.
At the core of Adrift is Ess’s introspective struggle with her lost memories, posing profound questions about the essence of identity. Is a person merely the sum of their memories? The novel suggests that identity transcends mere recollection, embedding itself in the very fabric of our being, in the instincts and intuitions that guide us even when our conscious mind falters.

Ess’s journey is fraught with frustrations as she navigates the world with a blend of stubbornness and naivety. Her character arc, characterized by a gradual learning to trust in the innate knowledge of her body over her fragmented mind, mirrors the process of healing and self-discovery. The unraveling of the mystery surrounding her past and the circumstances that led to her amnesia is executed precisely, transforming her initial confusion into a coherent narrative that resonates with the reader.
Adrift juxtaposes Ess’s quest for identity against the monumental challenge of climate change, illustrating how individual lives are inexorably linked to global environmental issues. The title appropriately encapsulates Ess’s physical and existential journey through a world unmoored by ecological upheaval, offering a metaphor for the collective disorientation faced by humanity in the age of climate crisis.

Lisa Brideau’s novel emerges not only as an enthralling tale of survival and self-discovery but also as a poignant exploration of the moral imperatives surrounding climate change and refugee crises. It is a commendation of Brideau’s narrative prowess and her ability to engage with complex ethical dilemmas through the lens of speculative fiction, making Adrift a significant and thought-provoking addition to the genre.