The "Badger Riot" starts quietly and gently, much like the town of Badger which is the setting for the novel. Characters are smoothly introduced, with a few key words and phrases. They soon take on a life of their own - the reader watches as the all too human characters go about their daily lives in a typical small Newfoundland logging town. Although the text is liberally sprinkled with Newfoundland words and sayings, Ricketts skillfully defines most of them without taking away from the narrative. Before long, I found myself engaged by the characters. There are no cookie-cutter characters here - only "real" people with flaws and strengths.

By mid-way though the novel, the tension in the town is evident as the residents begin to experience sights and hear of events outside their conservative experience. A confrontation is brewing and Ricketts easily pulls the reader along.

The final third of the book was simply rivetting. Ricketts changes perspective many times unlike the previous chapters which usually focussed on one person or family. The narrative increases in tempo until you are prevented from putting the book down. Friendly warning - start part three early in the evening unless you are happy with little sleep.

Before I finish, I feel compelled to state that I am J.A. Ricketts Son-in-Law. Having said that, I didn't start reading the book until well after it had been published. Historial fiction, especially about my homeland (Newfoundland) is far outside my regular taste in novels. Yet, I unhesitantedly recommend this book. Whether you believe it is because of my relationship with the author or the characters, story and wonderful writing of J.A. Ricketts, I leave to you. I already know the answer.

I had a teacher in high school who told our literature class of the story of Constable Moss in Badger. He told our class repeatly that if anyone wants a story this is one that must be told.

Ms. Ricketts has picked up that challenge with gusto. Having the first hand perspective of a young girl who stood on the snowbank on that fateful day it is no wonder the publisher encouraged her to right this story.

What is especially pleasing is that by coincidence Ms. Ricketts can actually turn a good page. At times the book maybe could have benefited from a little bit of editing and revision for the sake of flow, that being said the story follows a good honest writing style that makes it a pleasingly easy read.

I would have liked more concentration on the day of the riot and the events of that day, however the character building that plays the prinmary role in the novel does become important at the end when each character is allowed to tell the story from their own vantage point on that historical day.

A rare glimpse of interior NL life in the days of Joey Smallwood. A must for any good NL book library.

Most Flanker Press publications tend to be boring drivel. Not so in this case. Decent plot and character development in a novel based on real events in late 1950s rural Newfoundland. I wasn't born until a few years later, but I grew up only eighty or so miles away and the depictions of the town, the times and the people ring true to me. Reading the book, I could really hear the characters as they spoke; the dialogue was real and true to place and time. The characters felt very real, like people I have known.

Slow starting, but ultimately an enjoyable read. I recommend the book to anyone with an interest in fact-based fiction or in mid-20th-century Newfoundland.