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In this astutely observed collection, Russell Smith charts the lives of several thirty-something men struggling to meet the adult challenges of career, home and family while they mourn the aspirations of their youth. Dominic discards the life he has built with Christine for a fantasy fling with her best friend and then sheepishly orchestrates a reconciliation. When his career as a music producer fails to materialize, Eddie begins secretly recording the dreams his girlfriend recites in her sleep. He publishes these transcribed tales, but his new-found literary fame is hollow and his shameless crime is inevitably exposed. Lionel embarks on an ill-fated tour of small-town Nova Scotia to promote his latest book. Stranded by a snow storm, the weary writer finds creative inspiration in the reminiscences of an elderly woman. In each of these stories, Russell Smith flawlessly captures the humour and the sadness of young men bridging the gulf between who they had hoped to be and who they have become. |
"A cool and sexy slice of life that tweaks at the core of the human condition ... Smith employs a buoyant writing style that serves him and the reader well: short, concise sentences that provide considerable pace, yet still create vivid images." – National Post |
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"All the stories in Young Men exhibit a marvelous sense of balance; Smith knows exactly the right time to emphasize character or plot or setting. His narratives never lag. You never want to skip over anything. You never have to read anything twice, although you might want to just for pleasure. At his best, Smith offers up a sublime Chekhovian simplicity." – The Montreal Gazette |
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"There is no denying Smith has a gift for skewering the priviliged and the pompous. His satirical eye is piercing. What impresses about Young Men is the way he is able, with that same sharp eye, to look tenderly upon the drama of domesticity. This is what will enable Smith to ride out the wave of fad, making him fashionable not only for this season but for many to follow." – The Toronto Star |
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"The stories in Young Men are polished little morality tales ... Smith's writing is spare, charmingly without artifice." – Vancouver Sun |
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