A wonderful first novel. A sad, real story of hard lives. Kimmel combines tender perception with tight prose to create a diverse 'cast' of characters, each deftly drawn, and convincing. ( )

This is the story of Rebee Shore, from age two until age 21. During most of this time, Rebee and her mother, Harmony, drift from town to town across Alberta, never staying long in one place. As the story unfolds, we learn why Harmony lives the way she does.

The story is told through different voices -- Rebee's, and those of various people she encounters: her aunt Vic, school teacher Miss Bel, injured Jake who has lost his brother, and Joey who is abandoned by his mother. Each of the characters has issues and back stories of their own, which add contrast and context to the main story. Very well done. ( )

Rebee and her mother have bounced around Alberta on a regular basis for as long as Rebee can remember but not once has her mother told her why.

Following Rebee from a toddler until her teen years, the novel is told from Rebee's perspective as well as the variety of adults she and her mother encounter as the travel around the province. The novel pulls no punches, harshly reflecting the life that Rebee and her mother have, moving slowly closer to the mysterious reasons that Rebee's mother has been running for so long. Kimmel manages to create a wide range of narrative voices who are all distinct and bring their own baggage while also observing Rebee and her mother. A narrative that draws you in and keeps you riveted as Rebee and her mother wander the wilds of Alberta. ( )