Wishbone

Jerry A. Dykman is a lawyer in Morden, Manitoba.

Wishbone comprises a series of seven short stories and a novella set in
contemporary rural Alberta, near Edmonton. The pieces revolve around the
Condon family and are apportioned among the lives of the five children,
with the novella devoted to the youngest.

The stories are definitively Western Canadian, with a blizzard being
the thematic event. (Surviving a snowstorm on Prairie highways sets the
Westerner apart from inhabitants of milder climes.) Contrasted to the
blizzard is the comfort of the small-town hotel in “Cliff & Kay’s
Wildale Inn,” where the café’s patrons are made to feel at home,
literally, since the Condons live on the top floor.

The youngest child, Walter, was conceived in the storm of March 1968. A
peculiar growth on his rib, when rubbed, makes his wishes come true.

Young Walter wishes for the Montreal Canadiens to win the Stanley Cup
in 1974, and for Joe Clark’s political victory in 1976. Walter is
later fixed up with an artsy young woman who calls herself “The Odd
Girl.” He wants to conceive a child and pass on his power of making
wishes come true. The resulting “Little Daughter” does indeed have
power, bringing serenity to all who watch her, even on video tape. The
town of Wildale becomes a second Graceland, as tourists from all over
the world come to be blessed by her peaceful smile.

The stories are an admixture of happiness and melancholy, with ordinary
people acquiring magical ability. Readers must be willing to suspend
their disbelief as The Odd Girl and Walter disappear into a different
dimension.

In 80 pages, we find down-to-earth contemporary Western Canadiana, as
well as humorous insight into romantic love, family relations, and
friendship. For those who enjoy fantasia, this book is thoroughly
enjoyable; even for those who do not, the author still provides good
entertainment.