Love Lane
Love Lane is an ambitious sweep through many lives. It begins on the Canadian prairie in the early 20th century. Widower Harry Cane works his farm, aided when necessary by his neighbour, Paul. Harry returns the favour: Paul is not only neighbour, but also brother-in-law, friend – and since Harry’s wife’s death – lover. Harry’s contentment is disrupted when economic refugee Dimpy and her son, Davy, appear. Paul offers them shelter in an outhouse. Harry doesn’t quite understand it, but somehow, Dimpy becomes Paul’s wife. Harry hides his heartbreak, and carries on. It’s what men do.
Meanwhile, in London, we meet Betty, child of Harry’s first marriage. Betty’s father left for Canada when she was a small child. Nobody has explained the reason to her. After her mother died, Betty was brought up by her grandmother. When Betty marries, she writes to her father, Harry. The story is told from many points of view – principally Harry and Betty, but with contributions from others.
This book is inspired by family history. As is common in such cases, the story risks becoming over-long and complicated. However, the author avoids this by summarising, often compressing whole decades of a life into a few paragraphs. The text prioritises internal thoughts, illuminated by flashes of action and dialogue. Such moments: a picnic in the park; the swell of the ocean viewed from the deck of a liner, bring characters and setting to life. Gradually, a linking theme emerges: love, in all its guises. Love given by family, friends – and by random strangers.
Readers of delicate sensibilities: be warned of sexual content. However, it’s sensitively written, and essential to the story. Recommended for lovers of family sagas.
