Splitsville

Splitsville conjures up the age of the Beat Generation merely by it's title. While not actually being the stream-of-conciousness style of Kerouac, there is an essence of the times embedded in this novel. The writing is functional, although sometimes the plot becomes vague but this really only requires an effort from the reader. Does "Splitsville" represent the societal division that exist in the fight to have the expressway abandoned? We don't really find out but we can share in the ultimate victory and it can set a blueprint for future struggles.

I enjoyed the read as it created just enough mystery to hold my attention. Was Hal a victim of his determination to stay put? Was LIly's rejection enough to set him on a a path to obscurity? Read it and decide for yourself.
Thanks to NetGalley and Coach House Books for this ARC

This Novella is all about changes. Part of the book is a flashback to 1971. Hal owns a used bookstore in Toronto and lives above the store. The neighborhood is changing. The city would like to build an expressway through the neighborhood. At a funeral of a customer he meets Lily an activist teacher. They fall in love and out of love and Hal disappears. Interspersed is Hal's nephew's narration as he awaits the birth of his first child. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting. The author says a lot in a few words. I found the book to be a quick and easy read. Enjoy