Ford Barlow is having a really tough go of things. Out of a job, Ford falls back on what he knows. He fights for money, steals what he can, and relies on the kindness of friends. Bereft of family, Ford is driven by a desire to find the mother that long ago abandoned him. He often finds comfort in the arms of prostitutes, but without coin, even that habit is out of the question. Desperation drives Ford to make some unpleasant choices in order to survive.
The unrelentingly difficult world painted by Jason Koivu is gritty and bleak. Most of the book is a devoted to bars, fistfights, prostitutes and the minutia of living. The ongoing daily struggle to eat and find a bed becomes monotonous. A highlight is Ford’s enigmatic friend Elle and their complicated relationship. An unexpected tenderness between them is a welcome contrast from the otherwise selfish characters. There are hints of magic and secrecy placed expertly throughout the novel. As the pages draw to a close, an exciting twist manifests itself. Stay tuned till the end!
Momentum slowly builds in this fantastical story by Jason Koivu. For a rough and tumble brawl of a story, grab a copy of The Rue of Hope.
