Saltwater Cowboys

Furlong has great insight into the human psyche

I’m wholly familiar with the breakdown of the mining industry in the Canadian Maritimes, as well as the calls country-wide for people to head to Alberta to work in both the mines and on the pipelines. Both of these provincial upheavals (particularly in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and on Newfoundland) had huge deleterious effects on the economies and families that had lived in those areas for generations. And, many of the ‘worker communities’ in Alberta were inundated with temporary residents that were biding their time from paycheque to paycheque, hoping to earn a living or provide support to those left behind.

Dayle Furlong uses the tale of two such families in a story based in actual events to present the trials, choices and lives after their migration westward. Jack and Pete are childhood friends, both growing up in Newfoundland. A rather difficult life – one is a miner or a fisherman there, with few to no options for other choices. But Pete has headed to Alberta, hoping to grab the brass ring. His tales of opportunity encourage Jack to take the chance, and he and his family head west to join the employment roles.

Living in a community that isn’t particularly welcoming, with the opportunities being a bit less than promised and battling your own emotional turmoil doesn’t make for a happy story. While Jack is dancing around the law and making quick money while taking chances, Pete is working to improve his family’s life, and trudges forward a shell of the man he was in Newfoundland.

Jack is the primary narrator for much of the story, and his repeated questions about the rightness of his choice, the difficulties he has fitting in, the worry for his wife and children and the slowly invasive envy, as Pete’s life seems to be moving forward in ways we all want: a home, extra money for treats, that happiness that comes with security.

What emerges is a blindingly accurate examination of human nature and the choices that one makes when pressure, depression, desire and envy all combine to change your approach and beliefs. While not a happy nor fast-paced read, we have a clear idea of Jack, a fairly decent idea of his wife Angela, and although Pete and Wanda are frequent stars in the book, they were a touch removed for me, more ideas than actual people. Furlong has great insight into the human psyche as displayed in this story, and doesn’t shy away from the often bleaker aspects of life. Descriptions are vivid and vibrant: bringing the remoteness of both Newfoundland and the northern Alberta encampment of Foxville to life.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.