From the Publisher
In this astutely observed collection, Russell Smith charts the
lives of several thirty-something men struggling to meet the adult
challenges of career, home and family while they mourn the
aspirations of their youth.
Dominic discards the life he has built with Christine for a fantasy
fling with her best friend and then sheepishly orchestrates a
reconciliation. When his career as a music producer fails to
materialize, Eddie begins secretly recording the dreams his
girlfriend recites in her sleep. He publishes these transcribed
tales, but his new-found literary fame is hollow and his shameless
crime is inevitably exposed. Lionel embarks on an ill-fated tour of
small-town Nova Scotia to promote his latest book. Stranded by a
snow storm, the weary writer finds creative inspiration in the
reminiscences of an elderly woman.
In each of these stories, Russell Smith flawlessly captures the
humour and the sadness of young men bridging the gulf between who
they had hoped to be and who they have become.
About the Author
Russell Smith is a well-known journalist and novelist. His 1994
bestseller, How Insensitive, was shortlisted for the
Governor General''s Award, the Chapters/Books in Canada First Novel
Award, and Ontario''s Trillium Book Award. His second novel, Noise,
published in Spring 1998, received widespread attention and
critical acclaim. An accomplished journalist, Smith''s articles
have also been published in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Life,
Flare, Details, and NOW. His story "Party Going," won
the 1997 National Magazine Award for fiction. Smith currently
writes a weekly column on men and fashion for The Globe and
Mail. He lives in Toronto.