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Reviewed
by
Erica Carr
This is a very dark novel. It centers on a three-generational,
Anglo-Francophone family living under one roof at the foot
of Mount Royal in Montreal during the FLQ crisis. There is
Grandfather, an anglophone, who supports his family by robbing
graves and runs the “business” with his unmarried
son. His second wife, Aline, is a francophone woman who speaks
no English and, therefore, has difficulty communicating with
other family members or the neighbours. Father has shunned
the “family business,” but is underemployed,
making it necessary for him to stay under his father's
roof to maintain shelter for his francophone wife, son, and
daughter. The daughter, Marie, is proud of her francophone
heritage, despises all things Anglo, and is a prominent member
of the FLQ. Her brother, on the other hand, prefers to live
his life as an Anglo and spend his time reading and writing.
Then there is the blackbird, Grace, who befriends Aline and
becomes her only source of support.
The book starts out quite depressing. At first, most of
the characters seem to have little in the way of redeeming
qualities and, those who might, like Aline, appear to be
rather pitiful and powerless. There appears to be little
love in this family — the members' only motive
for staying together seems to be a selfish need for survival.
Major liberties are taken with history, especially around
the events of the FLQ crisis, but we are warned of this in
the Author's note before the beginning of the story.
The story also takes on a rather fantastical/surreal tone
with images of a hovering soul, a perpetually sleeping Mother,
a Saint's heart, and a Frankenstein like re-creation.
I also felt a little lowbrow when references were made to
authors/philosophers of whom I had never heard. Still, I
did become more intrigued by the novel as I continued to
read, and was able to connect and care about the characters
as they developed — they did, eventually, become more
human. I was not disappointed by the ending and the tale
made me think.
I was interested in reading this novel because on a visit
to Indigo at the Manulife Centre almost a year ago, I was
told by one of the employees that the author was an employee
of the store — I'm always keen to support “local” talent.
What intrigued me more was the Montreal setting — a
city in which I lived for many years, so I could identify
wit much of the geography. So, I do have a rather biased
view.
If you are looking for a straightforward, rather light
tale, this book is not for you. However, if you are interested
in the darker side of humanity, can suspend your disbelief,
and like to “think outside the box,” you might
want to give this one a try.
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