“What stands out is the author’s sensitivity.” Schatje’s Shelves

4 Stars

This, the third in the Merry Bell trilogy, has two parallel narratives, both focusing on relationships with parents and their secrets and private struggles.

Merry, at the behest of Evan, her first love in high school before she transitioned from Joey Dzvonyk to Merry Bell, investigates the death of John Whatley, Evan’s father. John’s death was determined a death by misadventure: he froze to death when locked out of his car on a frigid night in rural Saskatchewan. Evan is not convinced however. As Merry tries to ascertain if John’s death was the result of an accident or due to malevolence, she delves into his past and uncovers discrepancies and secrets.

At the same time, Merry begins hesitantly reconnecting with her estranged family whom she hasn’t seen since she transitioned. We learn more how Merry’s relationships with her parents fractured. Her tentative contacts result in her discovering that, just like Evan doesn’t know all about his father, she doesn’t know everything about her mother and father. But will she be able to forgive and move on?

My previous two visits to Livingsky were enjoyable and this third was as well. Merry is as engaging as ever; though flawed in a relatable way, she tackles both personal and professional challenges with aplomb. Members of Merry’s support network, whom we’ve come to know and like, re-appear: Roger/Stella, Brenda, Gerald, and Veronica. And my favourite of course – the decrepit but dependable Doreen.

As I’ve come to expect from Mr. Bidulka, the writing style is eminently readable. I enjoyed the pop culture references and the sprinkles of gentle humour throughout. I liked the descriptions as well. For instance, the details of an emerging winter storm reminded me of my years in northern Ontario and had me nodding in agreement: “Merry loved how the air smelled right before a storm. She respected how the wind asserted its presence – acting like a bully, yanking at your clothing and hair – and how snowflakes danced in the air, pretty and harmless but preparing for ferociousness.”

What also stands out is the author’s sensitivity. His books feature underrepresented peoples; in this book, for example, there’s the transgender Merry, the gay Evan, and the cross-dresser Roger, as well as sex workers. Each is treated with thoughtfulness and care. This treatment also extends to a person suffering from dementia. A chapter from the perspective of a dementia sufferer is so poignant.

I recommend that this book be read as the third of a trilogy, rather than as a standalone. Home Fires Burn has several references to the previous two books in the series; knowing the background certainly added to my interest. Besides just the enjoyment of reading Livingsky and From Sweetgrass Bridge, there is much to be gained in knowing how Merry first encountered some of the characters who appear in this book. Relationships develop over time, and Merry experiences growth since her arrival in Livingsky, a growth that is highlighted by the fate of her Louboutin boots.

This novel is certainly a satisfying ending to the trilogy, but I’d love to encounter Merry again! She feels like a friend and I don’t want to lose touch.