A Book Review

Roses are Difficult Here, by W.O. Mitchell

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The reader is invited into the town of Shelby, Alberta, a small town in the foothills near the Southern border of the province.   Throughout the novel, the land itself almost becomes a character; life here is difficult with extremes of weather especially freezing temperatures, snow, hail, burning heat, drought and plagues of insects from time to time.  The local ranchers and farmers often walk close to disaster. 

The story is told through the eyes of Matt Stanley, publisher, editor, and lone writer of the Shelby Chronicle.  He introduces us to many of the town’s inhabitants, each with their own foibles.  Indeed combined they are an interesting group of humanity.  There are class distinctions, some folk with earned respect, and others who battle for leadership among the many organizations that make up the life of Shelby.  As always there are those on the bottom.  Here it is Rory Napoleon and his family; his job is to empty septic beds and haul garbage.

Life in the town changes when a university sociologist, Dr. June Melquist, comes to Shelby to put it under a microscope as a ‘typical’ example of a Western small town.  As Matt introduces her to his many neighbours and friends, she ‘interviews’ more and more of the townspeople, making no distinction between narrative, fable, and gossip.  The weaknesses of so many are held to ridicule after she leaves and her book is published.  Apparently the townspeople were a great disappointment having no leadership, culture nor tolerance. 

The strength of the novel lies in its people whom we meet in different situations and see interact with each other.  I enjoyed dusting this off the shelf and rereading it.

- Jackie Potters, an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph