Uncle Ronald

Margaret Bunel Edwards is the author of Little Stitch, The Ocean
Between, and The ABCs of Writing for Children.

Mickey, a 112-year-old man, recounts this story of his youth. He and his
mother live a miserable life, constantly beaten by Mickey’s vicious,
drunken father. Mickey’s mother smuggles him onto the train to Low,
where her brother is waiting to give him refuge. For the first time in
his life, Mickey feels safe, but his sense of security is short-lived.
Alleviating the story’s grim theme of domestic violence is a subplot
that centres on efforts by the townspeople of Low to outwit the police
and militia who have been sent to the town to collect back taxes.

Brian Doyle is an impressive writer, injecting humor and goodwill
throughout this story. However, the themes of abuse and alcoholism may
be too unpalatable for junior readers. Recommended with reservations.