Desolation Road / Ian McDonald.

On a partially terraformed Mars (comfortable temperature and atmosphere, although still mostly desert) a lone scientist is hunting a mysterious being across the desert, using a device best described as an anti-gravity sailboard for transportation. While taking a rest, he neglects to secure the board thoroughly and wakes up in time to see it blown away by the wind. Stranded in the desert, he is fortunate to discover an artificial oasis (created by a long-lost terraforming AI) near a line of railway. With all the necessities of life around him, he awaits rescue or company. Eventually, he is joined by other strays and castaways, and together they found the town of Desolation Road.

December Boys / Michael Noonan

Book:

Film: This drama is a film that is based on Michael Noonan’s novel and focuses on four orphans who leave their orphanage for a holiday by the sea. A rumor about one of the boys possibly being adopted causes tension to rise among the orphans.