Leon Rooke

This book sort of reminded me of Thomas King's Green Grass, Running Water in that there is a lot of symbolism and mysticism as well as some native iconography. I'm still processing it so I don't think I've completely grasped the meaning of the book, especially the ending.

At its most basic, this book tells the story of the Daggle family. Joyel Daggle left her home, her husband and daughter a year ago. The husband, Raoul, and the daughter, Juliette, are driving west to try to intercept Joyel who was spotted in Cut Bank, Wyoming. Joyel, meanwhile, is driving east from Cut Bank. Each party meets interesting characters along the way. Raoul is particularly fascinated by priests who have fallen from heaven. Joyel meets Tom who tours with a giant wooden statue of Crazy Horse. These characters pop up frequently along the way and eventually everyone lands in the same small town during a blizzard.

I guess I am too linear in my thinking to be completely satisfied by the ending. To my mind there are too many loose ends. Like who is the man in the brown suit who has been following Joyel ever since she left California and why did the dog who hitched a ride with Joyel suddenly decide to be let out?

It is an entertaining read and Rooke certainly has a creative mind. It might appeal to someone more than to me.… (meer)

This story is set in a backwoods community. Toker finds an abandoned baby in the woods near his home, and she quickly becomes the centre of his life. His interactions with his neighbours change as he tries to care for this foundling. As Toker finds out about the baby's violent origins, we also learn about the backstories of all the central characters and see a life of violence, but also of independence and watching over family and friends.

Mr. Rooke has written this book in a backwoods dialect, which took a little getting used to, and also added greatly to the atmosphere of the story. Very creative and imaginative....I'm glad I discovered this author.… (meer)