Critical Injuries

Walking into a small-town ice cream parlour in the middle of a hold-up, 49-year-old Isla is shot and ultimately paralyzed from the waist down. The shooter, 17-year-old Roddy, takes off in a panic but is soon caught by police. As Isla struggles to come to terms with the senseless accident, she begins meticulously reflecting on the course of her adult life leading up to that one critical moment. Roddy, awaiting trial, reflects on his own past, and the shooting that has potentially destroyed both Isla’s life and his own. In the midst of their painful journeys comes Alix, Isla’s daughter, who may lead the pair toward some form of healing.

Woah!! What a good book! After reading this book, and having just recently read my first Barfoot novel ("Charlotte and Claudia Keeping in Touch"), I had no hesitation in immediately placing Joan Barfoot on my Favourite Authors list.

In this book Barfoot shows that she has a great understanding of the way we injure each other (and ourselves). She takes the case of a specific physical injury and shows how its perpetrator as well as the victim suffered. She also shows how each of us can impact on the lives of those who are close to us. There is mostly a focus on negative impacts. It is however, in the end, a book with a somewhat optimistic outlook, although cynicism abounds throughout, and we are certainly left with the deep suspicion that show more there is plenty more sadness to come in the lives of the main characters.

I cried a lot as I read this... OK, I may be the weepy type, but I don't think the average person could help but be drawn into the lives of these 'ordinary' people.

What is it about Canadian women authors? It must be some subtle interaction of culture, geography, and gender, that brings out such wonderful writing. show less

This book will haunt me for awhile. Joan Barfoot shows how lives are changed irrevocably in an instant. She also demonstrates that grace is demonstrated through courage and kindness, and carries a power that has lasting effects. There are life lessons to be learned in this book, and Joan Barfoot is a consummate writer.

Expected a breezy read, the book is actually a lot more serious (not boring) and cerebral. Barfoot's lyrical words capture the nuances of our feelings and dilemmas with unique turns of phrases.

A very touching book about lives being changed drastically in the blink of an eye. A story of courage and love.