Critical Injuries [Paperback]

'This wise, funny, harrowing novel will be the book of the year. The writing is superbly in charge of itself. The subject of Critical Injuries is forgiveness, and at its moral centre is an intelligent, reflective consciousness we can admire, but also love' Carol Shields

After years of disappointment, 49-year-old Isla is finally content in her second marriage to Lyle. 17-year-old Roddy, on the other hand, is a faltering student, and occasional shoplifter trying to make sense of his life. Their worlds collide one hot August afternoon when a fake robbery organised by Roddy and his friend Mike goes horribly wrong, leaving Isla with a bullet lodged in her spine. With Roddy 'immobilised' in gaol and Isla lying paralysed in hospital, they both have lots of time to reflect upon where it all went wrong. A book that explores the bad things that happen to good people - a hugely entertaining read about turning points, second chances, the human ability to adapt & survive.

Joan Barfoot is an internationally acclaimed novelist. Her books have won many awards and Dancing in the Dark was made into the award-winning film of the same name. She lives in London, Ontario, where she is also a newspaper columnist. Her previous books include Getting Over Edgar and Gaining Ground.

"Hop in," Lyle says, and in Isla hops. He does a little number on her thighs: "tickling the ivory," he calls this. It still delights her to climb into his old dented green pick-up, so large and high, sturdy and workmanlike. Not like the toy sports car he uses for work, or even like her own practical compact, but a serious vehicle designed for serious pursuits.
Although they haven't always been serious in it. Once, they made love in the bed of the truck on a well-used old mattress Lyle was about to take to the dump. "One last time," he said then, from his own Lyleish combination of immediate lust and permanent sentiment. That was a couple of years ago.