The Low Life: Five Great Tales from Up and Down the River

Lorraine Douglas is the youth services co-ordinator at the Winnipeg
Public Library.

This collector’s edition comprises five of Brian Doyle’s previously
published novels—Uncle Ronald, Angel Square, Easy Avenue, Covered
Bridge, and Up to Low. The stories, which are all set in the Ottawa
Valley, span the last century and feature Doyle’s fabulous
interrelated characters. Doyle has been nominated for the Hans Christian
Andersen Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to
children’s literature and has received the Vicky Metcalf Award for his
body of work.

Up to Low (1982), which won the 1983 CLA’s Book of the Year for
Children Award, is set in the Gatineau Hills. We meet teenager Tommy
from Angel Square and learn of his growing love for Baby Bridget.

Angel Square (1995) is set in post–World War II Lowertown, Ottawa.
There Tommy sees Angel Square through new eyes when someone who hates
Jews beats up his friend’s father. Tommy is intent on finding out the
identity of the bigot.

Easy Avenue (1988) centres around the adventures of Hubbo O’Driscoll,
who is torn by his desire to join the Hi-Y Club while remaining loyal to
Fleurette Featherstone Fitchell. Doyle was awarded the 1989 CLA’s Book
of the Year for Children Award for this book.

Covered Bridge (1990), winner of the 1990 Mr. Christie’s Book Award,
extends Hubbo’s adventures into the country as he goes to live with
his guardian aunt and uncles in the Gatineaus.

Uncle Ronald (1996) is Mickey’s story about living with domestic
violence in the hills north of Ottawa over a hundred years ago. Mickey
and his mom run away from his violent father to live with Uncle Ronald.
Mickey, now 112 years old, recounts all the details of his early life
with humor and compassion.

Readers will enjoy Doyle’s comedy as well as his ability to create
memorable characters in this classic collection. Highly recommended.