I've met the charming Hilary MacLeod and was already prepared to like her book, just because she's such a wonderful person in real life. What I wasn't prepared for was the dazzlingly erratic group of characters tumbled about like lobsters in a loosened trap. I've lived in small town Maritimes, and PEI does small town smaller than most. People can't live there less than three generations if they want to be called locals (and then only by some). Village life is dramatically important and often interrupted by legions of tourists. It makes for an intoxicating mix.
When a self-declared aesthete (I so want one of those calling cards) arrives in town, the whole place wakes up, turning their curious and money sensing noses up towards the house on the cliff.
Characters are well-drawn, and I like them all (except perhaps Guillaume), the story tests the limits of believability but stays within bounds, and what amazed me was how MacLeod finds all the threads and ties them up into a glorious net at the end.
For those who try this book and give up in confusion - for there are a lot of characters to get under your belt at the start - stick it out. You're in for a fun ride, a slight taste of salt, and probably more information about lobsters than you ever wanted to know.
MacLeod describes her stories as "Village Noir". Those of you who have lived in small villages, especially we "come from aways", know Village Noir well, and will enjoy this book for that alone. Those of you still away will love it's humour and feeling of the seacoast.
And Canadian literature buffs? Well, there is a storm, lots of inner angst, an orphan or two, unwanted babies, the wise elders. And lots of nature, red in tooth and/or claw. ( )