The not-so-good news is that I prefer Volkswagon Blues, Autumn Rounds or Translation is a Love Affair. The good news is that, in my opinion, any of Poulin's work is well worth reading. This is another story about his recurring character, Jack Waterman. It's written with the same deceptively simple style with the same spare and evocative language. It even has the oft-seen Volkswagon Microbus.

This time, Jack's story takes the reader on a reflection upon death, specifically on ending one's life when the terms of living become too much. Beyond that, it is a reflection on the different types of love that we can experience in our lives.

My preference for his other books is entirely personal; it has nothing to do with Poulin's ability to write. Some of the subject matter was just a little unpleasant for me and, while I enjoyed the book quite a bit, it didn't evoke that instant love I have for some of his other works. ( )