Clive Chan answers “I am a student (10 minutes away from...”

Leo.L asked this question about Scarborough:

I am a student (10 minutes away from Kingston/Galloway actually) and the plot seems okay, but I would mostly like to read the book for its references to Toronto and its culture. Does the author make Scarborough a prominent factor in the plot? Or is it interchangeable with any other low-income area?

Clive Chan There are neighbourhoods mentioned that will be familiar to those who have lived in Toronto. It is not necessary to know the geography of the city to …moreThere are neighbourhoods mentioned that will be familiar to those who have lived in Toronto. It is not necessary to know the geography of the city to enjoy this novel.

I don't consider the setting completely interchangeable with any other low-income area. Scarborough is fairly unique in the fact that it has wide mix of immigrants, those who have been here for generations, and even First Nations. Would it be the same if it were set in, Regent Park for example? Probably close, but there are points in the book that emphasize how distance to resources is a real stumbling block to Scarborough's residents.

I don't think you'll get a good feel about Toronto from this book; nor Scarborough completely. It's a rather thin slice of Scarborough life, but it's accurate.(less)

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