Toronto author P.G. Tarr, opens The Underwood in 1985 on Foster Lutz, a young man newly on his own in the world and seeking employment as a piano player in the lounge of The Underwood, a hotel long past its prime. He gets the job, which includes a room at the hotel, and the balance of the story follows Foster as he finds his place in the hotel, and in the world. We learn early on that Foster's mother was killed in a hit-and-run accident many years earlier, and that his father has recently died. As much as anything, Foster seems to be looking for seems to be looking for a connection with them at The Underwood. Does he find it? Do any of us, ever, really?

The Underwood, like any great coming-of-age book, is populated with strange but likable characters. Mr. Breedle, the hotel's manager, wears a black pinstriped suit and munches mints now that he's not smoking. Gruff Manny works the front desk. Nick the bartender is the kind of older-twenties guy you think is cool when you're fresh out in the world. Hip, older Max, who sells weed and sometimes plays bass, works his way onto the stage with Foster-at least for a while. And of course, there is the waitress Nadine, the mesmerizing love interest no book-or life-would be complete without.

The Underwood is a warm and wonderful work, and Foster Lutz is an immensely likable character. By the end, you'll find yourself wanting to spend more time with him. Your time with The Underwood may be short, but it is time well spent. If you have a soul, if you've ever wondered about your place in the world, or maybe glimpsed a bit of yourself in the world of an old hotel, you will treasure it.

With The Underwood, P.G. Tarr won the 20th Annual International Three-Day Novel Writing Contest, and it is yet another shining example of the excellent work this contest routinely, amazingly, produces. It seems to be unavailable in the usual way through Amazon.com, but I see that it can be ordered at a reasonable price at the website of the contest. However you get it, don't miss it. ( )