Set in the year 1979, That Time I Loved You: Life is Never as Perfect as it Seems is a linked stories collection about the Ontario suburb Scarborough. Away from the wildness of downtown Toronto, Scarborough is a "safe" place. Neighbours don't lock their doors. Children play on the street.
But what goes on behind those unlocked doors?
Suicides. Infidelity. Physical and sexual abuse.
Yes, but also... Love. Healing. Acceptance.
Author Carriane Leung grew up in Scarborough and concludes her author acknowledgments with...
'Lastly, while this book refers to suicide, I hope it's also a testament to the resilience we share when faced with the often-difficult work of living.'
I purchased my copy from Amazon
Published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.
Published in 2018
won the 22nd annual Daunta Gleed Literary Award
Eleven years old Chinese-Canadian June Lee is the main character. She welcomes us to Scarborough and informs us that other things may be happening in other places around the world but for her, the most important thing is what is happening in her neighbourhood. Over a span of two years, we watch June change as her neighbourhood does. She seems to be always there waiting for us to catch up to her. She is the glue that holds this collection together. And at the end of the last story, June bids farewell to Scarborough...
'Everything that matters to me...was here...I had assumed I would always want to live here, but now I knew that was childish...There were other places in the world, and I knew I would go.' (p. 211)
More...
If you, like me, are new to linked stories you may be interested in these articles...
'Mayne Island's big sister program'
photo by ldyck
July on this blog...
Two short stories
Sharing Your Writing (July 7)
A story about sharing writing with your spouse and a list of places you could share your writing--other than with your spouse.
Toy (July 21)
A story that will leave you wondering what happened to your favourite toy.
Two book reviews
An Ocean of Minutes by Thea Lim (July 14)
Published by Viking
A love story about time travel
Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini (July 28)
Illustrated by Dan Williams
Published by Viking
Author proceeds from this book are donated to helping refugees around the world.
Happening this month on Mayne Island...
This church fair is one of the most affordable places I know to get must-reads.
Happening this month on Mayne Island...
photo by ldyck
This church fair is one of the most affordable places I know to get must-reads.
