Customer Reviews

The Horn Of A Lamb

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Clichéd? Maybe. But it didn't feel like that while I was reading it. This isn't a hockey story, it's a human story, and you cannot help but become invested in Fred Pickle. His is a strong voice, but one that you do not pity, despite the extraordinarily changed life he has as a result of his brain injury. This book will warm your heart during the depths of a cold Canadian winter.

Most disappointing about this novel are the character 'types'--the brain-damaged protaganist, the crusty ex-cop caregiver, the arrogant young hockey star, the evil American, etc.
The American invasion (stealing Canadian hockey teams) is completely heavy-handed (hockey as soul? identity?). There are far better examinations of American imperialism out there, and for a great book on hockey check out Bidini's Tropic of Hockey.

A positive review led me to this novel. Unforunately it was all I could do to finish it. It is crammed with every hockey and small town cliche imaginable. Characters are often reduced to little more than mouth-pieces, which can be painful to read. Disappointing.

I was really lucky stumbling across this book. Not only because it had a good plot, but it was N.H.L. playoffs time. This already had me focused on hockey, so I loved a book with a character who loved hockey more than anything in the world. Our character who was brain damaged kept on reminding me of Forrest Gump. That is because that movie has defined the slow witted in our minds for many, no matter what caused it. Our hero faces a dilemma when his local N.H.L. team is moving south. Does he dare act and defend for the only thing he cares for or just be a typical Canadian and perhaps...I don't know write a letter. A great read. Not too sappy, and definitely entertaining.