The Last Magician

Lori A. Dunn is an ESL teacher and editor of the Toronto women’s
magazine Feminie.

Hospital’s latest novel is a strong addition to her already impressive
roster. In it she reprises her recurring interest in the ravages of
memory, this time focusing on childhood friends—their traumas,
obsessions, and absences. Brought to the foreground in this novel is the
role of the camera as a tool for memory, with photographs telling lies
as well as truths along the way.

The book begins with intriguing intimations of mystery, weaving a spell
over the reader through the articulate eyes of Lucy, who is both actor
and narrator. Revealing the story layer by tantalizing layer, Hospital
entwines her readers, unfolding the story skilfully. Completing her
inward spiral, she leaves the ending loaded with questions, inviting
active participation on the part of the audience.

A thoroughly welcome relief to the sometimes bland world of modern
novels, Hospital’s latest offering treats the reader to more narrative
and more mystery than her earlier novels, all while losing none of the
unique aspects of her unusual style.