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by Denn Killian Matthews

The novel starts in Oregon, where Clarence Clarbourne and Joshua Haigh meet at the beginning of their senior year in high school. They are building up a solid, sensuous and pure friendship throughout university. Kelly becomes Josh's idol even though Kelly's disrespect and digs hurt Josh, who tries to learn from them and grow strong. Kelly's ascendency over Josh is obvious until Josh falls in love with Nicole at university, his wife to be. About the same time, Kelly encounters Trish and they become a married couple. Kelly declines Josh's invitation to attend his wedding but, unexpectedly, Tina, Kelly's grandmother will honour Josh with her attendance and be the highlight of the party, as she would. Tina is one of the various characters in the novel, and what a character! 'Terrible Tina''s longing to stand out and unpredictability are remarkable, as shown in the scene of the grocery in which Tina courts a young student. Meg, Kelly's high school sweetheart, arranges a ravishing séance of spiritualism.

Denn Killian Matthews depicts his characters with humanity and creates vivid relations between them. Josh will choose to follow Nicole to Illinois, where she will be the director of a library. One day, Josh receives a message from Kelly. Josh is carried into the past and stronger for his influence, Kelly will convince Josh to return to Oregon to become a journalist -- Josh's dream. As during the radio days in university, Josh proves a quick learner, to Kelly's discontent. When a grimy embezzlement case tarnishes Kelly's image, it is thanks to Josh that he will avoid being dismissed. Kelly and Josh's 'faux pas' as well as Kelly's growing alcohol problem will cause Josh to do something which cannot be undone -- Josh will kill Kelly in self-defence. Panic-stricken, Josh becomes a man on the run, searching for relief in action. After a disappointing return to Illinois where Nicole has replaced him, Josh will scour the roads through Canada.

Along his journey, he'll meet danger, women, and will commence a quest for forgiveness in a series of adventures. Faced with deception, Josh also has to face his conscience. His adventures will take him to Vancouver, where he gives himself up to the police, at the end of his tether. But what will the outcome of his trial be? The narrative spreads with the characters in unison and suspense and passion walk hand in hand. Josh, in his numerous experiences, acquires the power of differentiation and judgment while praising uniqueness.