Tom Finn (1)

Westsiders by Tom Finn is reminiscent of Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio, in that in consists of several short stories focusing on various people from Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Finn's collection, however, has its own distinct style and rhythm that sets it apart from Anderson's classic work. His subtle development of each central character is superb in its mixture of suggestion and straightforward information. This is certainly not a plot-driven work (which is understandable, given the show more short story format), but there are twists and turns in the revelation of the characters that keep the pages turning. I found myself constantly wondering what would be revealed next about each person. The way Finn captures the rhythm of conversational speech so well gives the reader a sense that these characters are real people, that these stories are real life. Overall, Westsiders is a worthy read, and I certainly enjoyed it. show less

I swallowed Tom Finn's series of short stories, Westsiders, in the course of an evening. Each of the stories is anchored in the small Newfoundland town of Corner Brook, whether it physically is placed in the town or through characters linked to and together through growing up in Corner Brook. Finn's writing has a simple clarity and his characters are evocatively drawn. He sketches events, and allows the spaces in the story to let you fill in the gaps. These quietly emotional stories will show more stay with me, as will my questions as to the fate of his characters, drawn to life in only a few pages. show less

I gobbled this gem (these gems?) up within a couple of hours of retrieving it from my mailbox. Tom Finn has a strong, original voice I’m glad to have nestled among the great short storytellers on my shelves. Having a fondness for Newfoundland, as I do, is not a requirement for enjoying these stories but it certainly adds to the fun. Since the stories all take place, more or less, in Cornerbrook the interweaving of characters from one tale to another is quite fine indeed; it was like show more unexpectedly coming across an old friend. That said, each story has its own special flavour. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll nod and you’ll sigh. I can’t recommend this book enough. Thanks, Tom! show less

Westsiders by Tom Finn is a series of short stories set in small town Newfoundland. Each short story pulls you in not only to the struggles of ‘everyday’ people in small town Newfoundland, but also geographically (I found the descriptions of time/place quite interesting). The landscape is rugged and unforgiving, and yet the people somehow are not. They manage despite various hardships (Both current or alluded to) to remain painfully and humoursly human. They struggle through the same show more types of set backs that we do today, and in many ways are relatable. In another way the book is also like a step back in time/distance allowing you to visit a Newfoundland that has since changed. One running theme between the stories seems to be ‘escape’, whether it be the need to escape from a small town, death, old age, or being on the run from the law. And yet there is a lot of humour and love of Newfoundland in these stories as well. I especially enjoyed the stories Mouse and Squeak Arrives. If you love stories about small towns, turning points, and/or Newfoundland I suggest you check this set out. show less