Heartfelt, paradoxical tales of youth and adulthood, triumph and hardship, innocence and debauchery, love, loss, and loneliness. Set in the sordid city and cookie-cutter suburbs of Montreal, these mainly first-person stories live through many of life's marking moments, including birth, divorce, joy, trauma, death and rebirth. Featuring all of the author's published short stories to date—each one revamped and expanded—this collection also features two new stories, and the never-before-published novella, "Rainshowers", a dark tale of sex and addiction. Often funny, often vulgar, always for real, the kids and grownups growing up on Harmony Street falter and fly in their search for love.
A very captivating dark and gritty book of short stories about sex, alcoholism, childhood trauma and making it as an actor/writer. Many of the characters are damaged or on their way to becoming damaged. Some of the stories lead to very unexpected places, which I really enjoyed. I also liked how in some places, there is a fine line between realism and surrealism. It is a very absorbing read.
Just finished the book. Made me feel relaxed, angry, horny, nostalgic, nauseated, elated, ashamed, proud, curious, confused and amused. At times it seemed I was reading various veteran Montreal writers and other moments piqued a tummy guilt like I had found some guy's journal on the metro and instead of jumping off my seat to give it back to him, I greedily watched the doors slide closed behind him before claiming it with a pounce: those were my favourite times - when his voice was most authentic, inward, and unique. I loved it man. Thanks for the guided tour through the myelinated (fuck you Amazon, it is so a word) stalls of your peepshow. As booze and jizz stained as it may be, it sure was a beautiful, enthralling, and memorable experience. I can only give it 4 outta 5 stars because I'm a genuine prick.