So It Won't Go Away [Paperback]

John Lent (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 20, 2005

Lent continues to explore the spatial viewpoints of the unique, often funny, dysfunctional Connelly family, to whom readers were first introduced in his previous experimental fiction, Monet's Garden. Then, as now, we get to hear and see Neil, Rick and Jane dissect their own thinking, second-guess their destinies, and generally revel in and reinvent their relationships with each other as they confront their addictions, dreams, and failures. Throughout the ride, Lent's humour and Lent himself transcends the page to join us through the read. While sharing such intimacy, he engages us in another dialogue, one that has a lot to do with fiction's relationship to reality, one that rearranges our fixed perception of the writer's place in the written work.

"I can think of no Canadian writer who so thoroughly positions us in front of the mirror that might offer us at once both reality and the imagined..." - Robert Kroetsch

"I think what I most love in Lent's writing is the way it lifts ordinary speech toward lyric without sacrificing its ordinariness." - Don McKay

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Lent was born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. He now lives in Vernon, British Columbia where he teaches English Literature at Okanagan University College and is the editor of Kalamalka Press. Other books (of poetry) by John Lent include Frieze (Thistledown, 1984), and The Face in the Garden (Thistledown, 1990).

Sean Virgo is one of the world's finest fiction writers and is also an accomplished stage performer. He's won the CBC Literary Competition twice and the BBC3 Short Story Competition.

Seá n Virgo was born in Malta, and grew up in South Africa, Malaya, Ireland and the U.K. He immigrated to Canada in 1966 and became a citizen in 1972. He has published a number of acclaimed poetry and fiction publications. His work has won various awards, including the CBC Competition (first prize for fiction, 1979); The BBC 3 Short Story Competition (first prize, 1980); and National Magazine Awards.

Product Details

• Paperback: 262 pages
• Publisher: Thistledown Press; 1 edition (September 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 189434586X
• ISBN-13: 978-1894345866
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,769,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reflections of Family in So It Won't Go Away, April 16, 2007

By 

Gillian Padgett - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: So It Won't Go Away (Paperback)

So It Won't Go Away is a collection of stand alone, yet connected, chapters reflecting on events within the lives of Neil, his brother Rick, his sister Jane and their mother Colette. Whilst appearing to meander loosely, the book artfully takes the reader on a journey of discovery into the lives, thoughts and emotions of the characters.

Small moments are important, as when Jane visits the washroom and imagines herself watching her father as a young man off to fight in the Second World War. She is able to thank him for his sacrifice for "a better life" (23), which also becomes a theme within the stories of other family members. Ultimately, they recognize that the better life their father fought for, and their parents moved to western Canada for, is the life they have, in Edmonton and the Okanagan.

Lent develops his characters gently and touchingly and often through awareness or expressions of love for one another. Neil's observation of his mother's energy and youthfulness is delightful: "[...] he felt sometimes [...] that she was returning at the end of her life to the little girl she'd started out as, looking back at him with so much hope and innocence, so much good will and love" (46). Colette's passion for her roots in Ireland and yet her acceptance and love of her home in Edmonton feels contrarily realistic and true.

Sexual abuse is treated in a startling and sensitive manner. There is no foreshadowing of this event and there is no emotional drama. Yet there is flashback, realization, healing and self-actualization, all significant occurrences in Neil's life, allowing him to relax, sleep well and live more deeply than before.

The breakdown of Neil's relationship, his sadness and ultimate surprise at his feelings of unconditional love for Shelley are wonderful to witness: "I never missed you more than today [...] I flat out wanted something for you [...] because I knew what it'd mean to you" (262). Lent demonstrates his ability to explore within the rich and confusing depths of emotion. The last chapter ends without closure and with the question "will you be out there?" (262), suggesting new insights and possibilities for Neil's future.

Lent uses language skillfully and artistically and includes a surprising stream of consciousness passage that ends with the title of the book (226). Politics, literature, music and art are referred to throughout the work. Each snippet of thought or story in So It Won't Go Away, taken from childhood or present day, is vibrant with meaning and lingers with the reader inviting further investigation, to gain greater appreciation and understanding of the characters and thus of life.

This is a book of rich text to be read over again for the reader to discover deeper wisdom and beauty. As the seasons in the reader's life change, so may insights and appreciation continue to glimmer or shine within this masterly work.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lent's Best Book Yet, November 8, 2005

By 

Symington "Heather" (Okanagan, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: So It Won't Go Away (Paperback)

A brilliant book that lyrically evokes the scenery of Canada's Okanagan, as well as France. By turns humourous, political, and deeply affecting.