[.ca] Gallatin Canyon: Stories (ISBN 1400041562)

PURE McGUANE - PURE PLEASURE:
Thomas McGuane (The Cadence of Grass, The Longest Silence) is recognized as one of America's preeminent literary figures. "A writer of the first magnitude" said the New York Times Review of Books. The reason for this praise is evident in Galatin Canyon, his first collection of stories in some time. The ten tales included in this volume all showcase McGuane's impeccable prose, his dazzling use of imagery, and his insight into the human condition. With "Ice" a boy who delivers newspapers for what is probably the Detroit News discovers who he can be one evening as he skates alone on frozen Lake Ontario. He has suffered from a number of fears but on this particular night we read his thoughts: "I believed that if I let coming darkness turn me back, would never be any good and the fog of cowardice would forever envelop me." The title story introduces an unnamed businessman and his girlfriend, Louise. He is hoping to close a deal on a small car dealership he owns. She is a comely woman whom he wants to marry, while at the same time he fears losing her. In order to close the sale the pair must go to Idaho. Further, it's going to be a bit tricky as he's received a better offer for the dealership and , according to his attorney, he can only sell for the best offer if the original buyer, Rigby, backs out. Therefore, his plan is to antagonize Rigby, anger him so that he does welch on the agreement. They're driving by way of the Gallatin Canyon, although he doesn't wish to do so, saying the route is too narrow and there are too many trucks. Their journey reveals their relationship. Pure McGuane - pure reading pleasure. Highly recommended. - Gail Cooke