Book Review: Still Me: A Golf Tragedy in 18 Parts

 

Turnstone Press, 2020

By Jeffrey John Eyamie

This week, L and I also sat down with a copy of a new book by Winnipeg author and filmmaker Jeffrey John Eyamie called Still Me: A Golf Tragedy in 18 Parts. (More Manitoba talent! Seriously, if you're not reading Canadian authors, what are you waiting for?)

Still Me is a book about golf, but you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the story. Eyamie is a master at describing some of Canada’s most majestic golf courses. As you read, you feel as if you are transported to the actual tee box looking out at the beautifully picturesque fairways and greens—Eyamie’s filmmaking chops are definitely on display here in the very cinematic quality of his writing.

The golf commentaries are clear and concise to golfers and non-golfers alike—at numerous points in the book, L said she could feel each golf stance, each muscle adjustment and flex of the wrist. There's a lot of these descriptions, which might be challenging visualization exercises for someone like me, who has never golfed before, but I found that more than anything, they made me wish I had the thumbs needed to take hold of a golf club and try them out myself! 

We also found the plot to be captivating, and a real page-turner—just when you think the book is simply about all the golf courses his main character, James Khoury, has ever played, the story takes a sharp dog leg and you realize the book is not just about golf but also about his relationship with his family. Or lack of relationship, as Khoury’s love of golf gets in the way of his love for his family. For golf is his escape, his way of having control over something (even if it is as small as a golf ball), his way of being alone even when he is partnered with other golfers. Anyone who has ever golfed knows that it is a solo sport, a mental game played between you and the ball and your control or in some cases, lack of control over it.

Over the course of eighteen chapters, Khoury is partnered with various characters who teach him lessons about golf and life and the impact his obsession has had on his relationship with his family. Without giving too much away, Eyamie weaves story with metaphor in interesting and thought-provoking ways, and great care has been put into the small details that eventually come to play a big part in the story as you get further into the book. Overall, the novel conveys an earnest message about life, love, family, and golf that will have you holding your loved ones just a little bit tighter by the time you reach the final pages.

L’s verdict: Eyamie has written a wonderful book filled with beautifully descriptive golf prose and imperfect characters we can all relate with. His lessons about life and love will stick with me long after I finished reading.

Bingley’s verdict: With all those long stretches of green fairway and zipping golf balls to chase, what’s not to like?

Rating: 4.5/5 

Interested in reading this title? Check out your local independent bookstore for a copy!

 

Book Review: The Age of Hope

Phyllis Bruce Books (2012)

By David Bergen

Well, this is it! Our first post! Even though I'm the face behind Bingley's Book Reviews, of the two of us, L is the real powerhouse reader, and since she reads so much (and loves to tell me what she thinks of the books, spoilers and all--don't worry, I edit those parts out before posting about them here) we thought we'd share them with you too! 

For our first review, L and I sat down with a copy of a somewhat oldie but goodie by Winnipeg author David Bergen (his latest novel, Here the Dark, is currently shortlisted for the Giller Prize. Can't wait to get my paws on a copy of that!). As fellow Manitobans, L and I have a special place in our hearts for local authors and we love to discover the immense talent that comes from our own province.

L immediately became absorbed with Bergen’s story of the life of fictional character Hope Koop (so absorbed that she served me three consecutively late suppers, I might add...).  Hope’s story begins as she meets Roy Koop, the man she will eventually marry, and they settle into married life in the predominately Mennonite town of Eden just outside of Winnipeg. Bergen weaves an interesting tale of marriage and parenthood within a sheltered Mennonite community, coupled with Hope’s bouts of debilitating depression. L found the story especially compelling because her own Mother suffered from manic depression, so she could easily relate to the characters and their emotions.

The story is told in Hope’s voice and follows her thoughts throughout her life as she struggles with her feelings of inadequacy as a wife and mother, her depression, and subsequent hospitalization after which she feels completely alienated from her family and community. As the story deepens, we are introduced in greater depth to Hope’s four children and her fractured relationships with each of them. Most of the novel takes place during the mid-1950s, a time when women were struggling to find their voice and their place in society and Hope questions where exactly she fits into this ever-changing world.

 L and I were amazed at how well Bergen (a male author) was able to convey the thoughts and depth of emotion in his lead female character. L said that as a wife and mother herself, she could totally relate to Hope. Hope’s life certainly wasn’t perfect, as life rarely is, and Bergen’s writing style made the characters very believable.

L’s verdict: This story touched L in a deep and profound way and left her wanting more. For L, it was one those novels that she wished wouldn’t end.

Bingley’s verdict: An interesting, well-written story. I liked it even though I didn’t get fed on time. The Koop family could have benefited greatly by having a dog. (Doesn’t every home need a dog?)

Rating: 5/5 

Interested in reading this title? Check out your local independent bookstore for a copy!