Finding a new author is always a delight and one of my discoveries for 2011 was Terry Fallis. Terry’s debut novel, The Best Laid Plans, was such a great story that I reviewed it on this blog last September. His second novel follows the characters and plot of the first so that I was able to simply read on.
Fallis has developed a lovable but real character in Angus, with his unerring ability to do the right thing even if it will embarrass his political party. Angus’ view is that politicians must do what is right for the country first and their individual riding and party second, a viewpoint which has the party leaders gunning for him. The public, however, is enthralled. There is even talk of honour in politics.
Telling the story in first person by aide, Daniel Addison, and ending each chapter with a diary entry by Angus allows the reader to see Angus McClintock’s character from two vantage points. His thoughts about the day as written to his deceased wife provide a humorous yet intensely intimate look at the private side of this public figure, a large part of the reason we fall under his spell.
A swarm of geriatric rabble-rousers, the lovely and intelligent Lindsay, and an aide to the Prime Minister who is unparalleled in his hate for both Angus and Daniel all provide plenty of colour and humour in this worthy successor to Fallis’ first book. They also make this a delightful read, no matter what country the reader calls home.
Politicians are not known for taking the ‘high road’ but Angus does. The High Road is spot on as a title, then, having just a hint of Scots in it and suggesting the positive character of Angus McClintock. Well done, Terry!
On Becoming a Wordsmith 
Oh, no, Elaine. Please don’t recommend a book, my TBR pile is about to topple. Must start a new one.
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Ah, Sherry. That’s always the problem, isn’t it? I finish one lovely read and start the next. Rare is the time I don’t have a list of titles waiting for me but I can never have too many. Unlike overeating, over-reading has all positive repercussions. I am wondering what is in your TBR pile? Maybe that’s a blog post right there!
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I heard such good things about Best Laid Plans that I bought it for my hub for Christmas. It’s one of those gifts that keeps giving. I’ll read it too! Thanks for the heads up on Terry Fallis’s next book, Elaine!
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Good for you, Sharon, giving books for Christmas gifts. I gave a couple but think I’ll start to make that a real priority as a way of helping other authors. With all the reading there is to do, I’m thinking of giving up on cooking and cleaning. Much more fun! Enjoy Terry’s book!
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Thanks for reminding me that I need to read these! Especially as I think they might be going my Dad for a birthday/xmas gift in 2012. They certainly sounded like his kind of read!
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For sure, Em. He’ll love them! Thanks for visiting my blog.
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