A Lot to Make Up For

The novel presents two young people in trouble. Stan Hagan, struggling with a double addiction, turns up in a small Canadian town. He is searching for Adele Symons, the victim of his drinking and drug habits, who has left him. Free of drugs, Adele now finds herself victimized by her new employer’s creepy husband. At the same time she is caring for Stan’s and her child, born addicted. Their encounter with some decent and helpful people in Ashton and the counterpoint of Stan’s efforts and Del’s struggles raise this low-key and suspenseful narrative to the level of serious fiction.