Tommy has experienced success and hardship in two distinct arenas—at the hockey rink and on the battlefield. After returning from Afghanistan, he faces a challenge he can't overcome without accepting help from others—something that we learn he hates to do. Eventually, Tommy chooses a life on the streets, seemingly preferring to survive on his own terms, to fend for himself, to not rely on the kindness of others. Along the way, he adopts a stray dog, and a kind librarian "adopts" him. Tommy welcomes the attention and the love, first from the loyal dog, followed by a reluctant acceptance of the librarian's help, but ultimately, a sense of suffocation drives him back to the streets with his dog by his side.
This novel tells a touching and troubling story. Touching because of the genuine care that Tommy, the main character, receives from others, including Lilly (the librarian), a doctor, and others who assist Lilly in helping him rebuild his life. Yet, it is also troubling, as Tommy is ultimately unable to embrace the support offered to him. He returns to his true nature: a man who rejects kindness and prefers to live in the shadows, alone.
Come for this novel's exploration of friendship, selflessness, and unconditional love; find joy in this author's ability to lay bare the intimate details of his characters' experiences—mostly full of hard knocks—and offer teachable moments for readers who may be struggling—or who may anticipate struggling—with similar issues themselves or within their families, whether it be addiction, mental health concerns, racism, or the atrocities of war.
