Pitfall
In Chicago on 29 October 1929, “Black Tuesday,” thirty-two-year-old Frank, a prosperous trader, has his fortune wiped out in one day, like many of his colleagues. The bewildered Frank wanders through the streets and finds himself at Grand Central Station. He stumbles onto the nearest train, oblivious of its destination. The northbound train crosses into Canada, and Frank disembarks at a small town in Saskatchewan. He takes refuge in a shed on the Prairies and contemplates his options to redeem himself and return home to his wife, Katrina, and children. One good opportunity presents itself, and Frank takes on the dangerous business of bootlegging—selling Canadian whisky to American mobsters.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, Frank’s disappearance is baffling not only to his wife and friends but also to his company’s management. He is believed to have either committed suicide or been murdered, and there are many suspects.
This debut novel by Toronto lawyer, Terry Kirk, is a fascinating exposé of the horrific era in Chicago when mobsters, such as Al Capone and Bugs Moran, fought for control of the illegal liquor supply during Prohibition. The introduction of the personal lives (with some romance) of fictional characters such as Frank, Katrina, and others, into the historical narrative adds much interest to the story. The vivid descriptions of the complex life on the Canadian prairies transport us to that period to experience it virtually along with the characters. Additionally, the novel also examines what a person would do if they lost all their fortune in a day. The efforts Frank makes to recover himself and deal with others in the process offer insight into seizing opportunities for redevelopment and recovery. Although the ending is satisfactory, the presence of some loose ends suggests that a sequel is likely to follow. Highly recommended.
