Going Down Swinging

Lynne Perras teaches communication arts at the University of Calgary.

Set in the 1970s, Billie Livingston’s first novel is a riveting and
finely crafted exploration of a mother–daughter relationship.

Eileen, a fortysomething ex-teacher, battles drug and alcohol addiction
as she moves from man to man, home to home, city to city. Engulfed by
the squalor and turbulence of her mother’s rollercoaster existence is
eight-year-old Grace, who despite it all adores Eilleen and assumes the
role of caretaker. The alternating perspectives of Eilleen and Grace are
interspersed with the file notes of social workers who are frequently
called upon to intervene.

The individual strengths of Going Down Swinging—skilfully handled
points of view, complex characters, convincing dialogue, and a deeply
informed portrayal of substance abuse—combine to produce a first-rate
novel. Highly recommended for all readers.