This one opens with an altercation between two men -- newly married David Kozol and his father-in-law, William Field, who ends up with serious injuries. The story then proceeds to an estate near Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, where William works as caretaker.
Incredibly David is there too, not only caring for William but also taking over his duties, one of which is looking after a number of mute swans. These are birds that were injured in the past, and now remain in captivity with their wings clipped.
William, himself temporarily mute, hands David a note. "We've been thrown into a strange situation here, haven't we?" And another: "Not too long, I'll be able to knock your lights out. Looking forward to the day."
Both men are so likable that that I couldn't wait to find out more, but the explanation of the quarrel arrives slowly. First we must backtrack to learn how David and his wife, Maggie, fell in love. This is told in a beautifully restrained piece of writing that never becomes corny or saccharine. It's a perfect illustration of young couples "inventing happiness."
There are surprising turns, arresting images, and one amusing scene involving skywriting that made me laugh out loud. The spareness of the prose, the brevity of the tale (190 pages), and the subject matter (human frailty) makes this story read like a modern fable.
Howard Norman has become one of my favourite writers.
