Hunting Houses by Fanny Britt

Have you ever thought about your first love? Or maybe you've never gotten over him/her, despite the fact that you appear to have moved on? Or maybe, like Tessa, you know without a doubt you'd go back to him if you got the chance? ("Do we ever stop wanting what we desired so ardently at … Continue reading Hunting Houses by Fanny Britt

Mile End by Lise Tremblay, translated by Gail Scott

When I saw this book at the library and read that it was about a "grotesque fat woman getting larger every day", I immediately thought of Melanie's quest for fat-positive books which prompted me to bring this one home and read it. I have to admit that, from the blurb on the back of the … Continue reading Mile End by Lise Tremblay, translated by Gail Scott

Blood Fable by Oisín Curran

Just in time, I have read the third of the three nominated books for the Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award, which will be awarded at the Atlantic Book Awards on the evening of May 10 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. And what an unusual and intriguing book it is. Blood Fable tells a story within a … Continue reading Blood Fable by Oisín Curran

The Figgs by Ali Bryan

I don't know what it is about this book that I loved so much. Maybe the fact that I am coming up to the stage of life that June and Randy are at and can imagine how it might be. Maybe because of the perfect imperfections of the characters. Maybe the bang-on dynamics between the … Continue reading The Figgs by Ali Bryan

Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong

After reading The Pursuit of Memory by Joseph Jebelli, a nonfiction title about the research and treatment development of Alzheimer's Disease, I wanted to find a good novel to go with it. What luck for me that Rachel Khong's delightful Goodbye, Vitamin came out last year. (It is also on the 2018 Tournament of Books shortlist.) Ruth … Continue reading Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong

Malagash by Joey Comeau

Malagash is a gem of a book. And I can't think of anyone I wouldn't recommend it to. The title of the book refers to the community where the story is set. Malagash is located along the north shore of Nova Scotia, and is one of those places you can easily pass through without knowing … Continue reading Malagash by Joey Comeau