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| Wherein we look at some of the local books that have been published this year and give you some ideas of what to get your book-loving friends and family for Hanukkah, Solstice, Festivus, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or just because it's a day ending with "y". |
| Don't forget to support your local independent bookstores! |
Sussex Drive
by Linda Svendsen
Random House
An ultra-conservative Christian Prime Minister. A female African-Quebecois Governor General. The prorogation of parliament.
If you think this sounds like the latest nonfiction expose coming out of Ottawa, you'd be wrong. Sussex Drive is Vancouver writer Linda Svendsen's satirical novel that presents a (slightly) alternate history of the Canadian political scene. Set in 2008-2009, it follows the goings on in our nations capitol,from the viewpoints of the two most powerful women in the country: Becky Legatt, the extremely politically savvy wife of Canada's PM, trying all she can to keep her lifestyle and her current address while her autocratic husband is barely holding on with his minority government; and Lise Lavoie, the astute Governor General, who wants to do what is right for the Canadian people, and not be just a figurehead doing the bidding of the Prime Minister.
On top of all the political shenanigans, these two women have the usual family crises to deal with, such as teen rebellion and pregnancy, sibling rivalry, and family secrets.
Svendsen's writing is full of biting wit and situations that seem almost surreal, if we hadn't already seen elements from our own government. Throw in a couple of black ops situation, behind-doors military action in Afghanistan, and raucous partying with Romanian drug lords, and you've got a fast-paced and entertaining read.
As Becky says to Lise, "Take two Tylenol and burn your Naomi Klein, seriously."
