'Prendiville's writing lifts the curtain on the contradictions of the human soul' —Le Monde Diplomatique

It's 1970s Canada. The small island community of Bear Lake is awash with rumours of layoffs and wildcat strikes at the mill. But for young Tom, nothing is more important than hanging out with his best friend, Cormic, except perhaps catching a glimpse of Sasha Dovonovitch, the foreman's daughter.

When a tragic accident occurs at the mill, the whole community unites.

But in a small town, pointed fingers and hushed gossip often only stir further trouble...

This power coming of age tale is an example of novella writing at its best. Poignant, touching and gripping.