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Finnie Walsh by Steven Galloway
Steven Galloway's first novel, an incredible coming of age story, now revised and available in trade paperback from Vintage Canada.Finnie Walsh is a captivating, Irving-esque story of family, friendship, redemption, and legend.Paul Woodward lives in Portsmouth, a quiet northern mill-town. Born the day Paul Henderson planted the puck between the pipes against the Soviet Union to win the 1972 Super Series, Paul has no choice about playing hockey. His best friend Finnie Walsh is stinking rich. He is also fellow hockey fanatic and the only good kid in a long line of delinquent brothers. Paul's father works the nightshift at the local mill, owned by Finnie's father. One fateful day the boys noisily prepare for their first season of hockey in the Woodward driveway, keeping Paul's father awake when he should be sleeping. This triggers a chain of world-altering events. Galloway proves that childhood innocence, while not exactly bliss, can be amusing and more than mildly instructional. This is the book John Irving would have written if he understood hockey as well as wrestling. Finnie Walsh , like the fabled games before NHL expansion, is a story about greatness and legend. But it's also a heartsong to family, friendship, and atonement.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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About the author
Steven Galloway
11 books243 followersGalloway was born in Vancouver, and raised in Kamloops, British Columbia. He attended the University College of the Cariboo and the University of British Columbia. His debut novel, Finnie Walsh, was nominated for the Amazon.ca/Books in Canada First Novel Award. His second novel, Ascension, was nominated for the BC Book Prizes' Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, and has been translated into numerous languages. His third novel, The Cellist of Sarajevo, was published in spring of 2008. It was heralded as "the work of an expert" by the Guardian, and has become an international bestseller with rights sold in 20 countries. Galloway has taught creative writing at the University of British Columbia and taught and mentored creative writing in The Writer's Studio, at the writing and publishing program at Simon Fraser University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 30, 2007
My friend recommended this book to me. I thought she was crazy. It's about little boys who like hockey. I'm not a hockey fan and I didn't think I would be able to relate to these hockey obsessed little boys. Was I ever wrong. This may be my favorite coming of age story ever. The relationship between Paul and Finnie is so great that anyone will be able to see themself and their best friend in these characters. I've recommended this book to countless people who have come back and said how much they love it. I also suggested it to a friend of mine who teaches high school english for his reluctant readers. They ate it up. Truly a GREAT READ!
May 14, 2018
This is the 2nd book I have read by Steven Galloway and I really hope it will not be the last. Whilst not quite as good as the Cellist of Sarajevo (although not many books are) this is still a cracking little book.
It basically tells the story of Paul Woodward who lives in a quiet town in Canada and befriends the local rich kid Finnie Walsh who then grow up together, become Hockey players together and continues to tell the story of both of their families and all the things that revolve them.
The key to Galloways writing is the depth of his characters, his descriptive style and how he brings you close to the key characters. I'm not really interested in Hockey, and the story itself ambles along, and yet I could not put it down. Its hard to actually describe what the secret of his success is, but his style is unique and whilst not as powerful as the Sarajevo book, this is a brilliant read nonetheless and absolutely worth some of your time to read it.
It basically tells the story of Paul Woodward who lives in a quiet town in Canada and befriends the local rich kid Finnie Walsh who then grow up together, become Hockey players together and continues to tell the story of both of their families and all the things that revolve them.
The key to Galloways writing is the depth of his characters, his descriptive style and how he brings you close to the key characters. I'm not really interested in Hockey, and the story itself ambles along, and yet I could not put it down. Its hard to actually describe what the secret of his success is, but his style is unique and whilst not as powerful as the Sarajevo book, this is a brilliant read nonetheless and absolutely worth some of your time to read it.
May 7, 2017
This book was fairly good until about halfway through; then it just totally fell apart for me. The writing became rushed, boring, and amateurish and (as a result) lost its believably. The sub-plot of the missing arms was awful and strained. I felt like I was wasting my time in finishing it.
June 21, 2018
I almost wish I cared more about hockey because there were tons of metaphors and foreshadowing that did nothing for me.
A neat debut though, and I can trace the lovely writing style to Galloway’s newer works.
A neat debut though, and I can trace the lovely writing style to Galloway’s newer works.
December 5, 2017
Enjoyable read especially with the hockey....interesting how it consumes people's lives. Loved the dad character who read every national geographic and the fellow who kept having his prosthetic limb stolen. Good characters.
February 21, 2020
Good quick read
July 26, 2020
It was almost really good . If you enjoy hockey references you will enjoy this book especially if you are Canadian!
August 24, 2020
3.5. A delightful read to start. Didn’t particularly think the ending suited the first 100 pages.
January 5, 2023
this was for english
December 7, 2023
3.5 rounded up
January 10, 2025
I bought this several years ago after reading the rest of Galloway’s books but it was one of those TBR’s that I never thought I’d break out because of length and subject matter. I found myself with two days to go and one book down on my 2024 reading challenge so the 163 page Finnie Walsh became my literary saviour (dramatic? Sure, but who likes failing at imaginary internet tasks?!?)
I love writing that finds complexity in the mundane and depth in ordinary people and this nails that. Canada at its best. And worst. 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
(I’m leaving author drama out of the rating which may or may not be appropriate 🤷♀️)
I love writing that finds complexity in the mundane and depth in ordinary people and this nails that. Canada at its best. And worst. 4.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
(I’m leaving author drama out of the rating which may or may not be appropriate 🤷♀️)
May 3, 2015
May I just say- I did not expect to like this book this much.
I mean, of course I had high-ish hopes. But I mean, come on, any book you have to read for Grade 10 English can't be that great can it? Well apparently it can.
This book gets 4.9 stars for me. Or maybe 4.99 stars...
What I mean to say is that I didn't read it in one day, it was not as genius as Divergent nor is it the new Hunger Games (although I doubt anything will be). With that being said, I really thoroughly enjoyed this book and the fact that I had to read it for school actually amazes me. It's originality, occasionally creepy writing style and excessive amounts of foreshadowing and suspense that will keep you on your toes -those last 20 pages though, omg- make for a all-rounded fun emotional story. (Oxymoron much?)
If you are interested in reading this book- go for it. (And don't get turned off because it's about hockey, it's about much, much more.)
If you have to read this book for school- Lucky duck, soak it all in because soon you'll be back to Shakespeare.
If you have already read it- Keep reading.
SPOILER ALERT
Honestly I think I empathized the most with Finnie. I had a total deja vu moment when he is around 8 years old and he goes through a depression because he is just realizing that death is typically meaningless. You don't really think about it that much when you are a kid, but when you die, you just die and cease to exist, sometimes it has meaning but most of the times it doesn't. But the way Robert and Paul were able to bring him out of his depression put a smile on my face.
Your life doesn't revolve around what happens when you die, it's about what happens when you live.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would probably read it again, especially since it's so short. Leafing back through the pages I am noticing a load of hints towards the end of the book. Such as drunk Finnie saying he "needs and eraser" (p.112). And then saying at the Stanley Cup finals saying that he needs Paul to "erase his goal" (p.151). And therefore explaining that Finnie had been creating his end-game plan for longer than any of us knew.
Bet you didn't know that did ya? If you did, you probably have a photographic memory, in which case I am jealous. Or if you didn't, reared the book and I bet you'll find lots of stuff!
Like when Sarah first gets her life jacket and Paul described the whistle as "similar to a referees".
oh snap.
Okay, I'll stop now.
I mean, of course I had high-ish hopes. But I mean, come on, any book you have to read for Grade 10 English can't be that great can it? Well apparently it can.
This book gets 4.9 stars for me. Or maybe 4.99 stars...
What I mean to say is that I didn't read it in one day, it was not as genius as Divergent nor is it the new Hunger Games (although I doubt anything will be). With that being said, I really thoroughly enjoyed this book and the fact that I had to read it for school actually amazes me. It's originality, occasionally creepy writing style and excessive amounts of foreshadowing and suspense that will keep you on your toes -those last 20 pages though, omg- make for a all-rounded fun emotional story. (Oxymoron much?)
If you are interested in reading this book- go for it. (And don't get turned off because it's about hockey, it's about much, much more.)
If you have to read this book for school- Lucky duck, soak it all in because soon you'll be back to Shakespeare.
If you have already read it- Keep reading.
SPOILER ALERT
Honestly I think I empathized the most with Finnie. I had a total deja vu moment when he is around 8 years old and he goes through a depression because he is just realizing that death is typically meaningless. You don't really think about it that much when you are a kid, but when you die, you just die and cease to exist, sometimes it has meaning but most of the times it doesn't. But the way Robert and Paul were able to bring him out of his depression put a smile on my face.
Your life doesn't revolve around what happens when you die, it's about what happens when you live.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I would probably read it again, especially since it's so short. Leafing back through the pages I am noticing a load of hints towards the end of the book. Such as drunk Finnie saying he "needs and eraser" (p.112). And then saying at the Stanley Cup finals saying that he needs Paul to "erase his goal" (p.151). And therefore explaining that Finnie had been creating his end-game plan for longer than any of us knew.
Bet you didn't know that did ya? If you did, you probably have a photographic memory, in which case I am jealous. Or if you didn't, reared the book and I bet you'll find lots of stuff!
Like when Sarah first gets her life jacket and Paul described the whistle as "similar to a referees".
oh snap.
Okay, I'll stop now.
October 25, 2010
The novel “Finnie Walsh” by Steven Galloway had many pleasure and interest elements. These elements were mainly about Finnie and why he did what he did. Finnie was definitely an enjoyable character to read about in the book. He would do any mischievous things that people would not know about. Like when Finnie was the one that stole his friend’s fake arm, to teach him that he is better off without it, since it was doing more harm to him than it was doing good. He was also a very protective, understanding and patient person, these qualities that Finnie had really stood out. Finnie would do everything in his power to help people that he felt close to, be safe and feel comfortable, even if it meant doing damage to him in some way. Like when Finnie saw his best friend being beat up, he hit the guy that was hurting his friend so hard that it gave him a concussion. Even though he knew that was going to get him kicked out of his hockey team. The novel also had many different events that were pleasurable to read. Like when Mr. Woodward lost his arm, and what he did to cope with it. He didn’t many strange that that was hard to understand, but fun to read at the same time.
Some aspects of the novel that was not enjoyable to read were when Finnie was getting beaten up by his older brother. Even though it was said that it was just for fun, it did not seen that fun to read. The book also talked about relationships, and how one person could change from being in love with one and then changing to another person in the next day. That did not seen too appealing to read about. The main event that occurred that I found very hard to read was the death of Finnie Walsh. That death showed how Finnie had died like his hockey heroes, and dying in a hockey game was how he wanted to go. Evidentially the way that Finnie died was really stupid in my opinion; he died by choking on a whistle.
Some aspects of the novel that was not enjoyable to read were when Finnie was getting beaten up by his older brother. Even though it was said that it was just for fun, it did not seen that fun to read. The book also talked about relationships, and how one person could change from being in love with one and then changing to another person in the next day. That did not seen too appealing to read about. The main event that occurred that I found very hard to read was the death of Finnie Walsh. That death showed how Finnie had died like his hockey heroes, and dying in a hockey game was how he wanted to go. Evidentially the way that Finnie died was really stupid in my opinion; he died by choking on a whistle.
February 7, 2016
This is a charming novel about two boys and their families in a mill town in Canada, following Paul, the narrator, and his best friend Finnie Walsh through their friendship, starting at age seven. The boys bond over hockey, but this book is about friendship, family, tragedy, guilt, repercussions, eccentricities, love, and loyalty. It also has magical elements: foreseeing the future and making choices based on what is foreseen. It's also about dealing with Ahabs and other dangers, including crazy big brothers. It's about adjusting when horrible things happen, adjusting to life, and growing up. I loved all of it, including the wit and humor, and couldn't put it down.
P.S. It's possible that if I didn't like or understand hockey at all that I wouldn't like this book as much, but I don't think any knowledge of the game itself is necessary to appreciate the novel or its plot, characters, themes, etc.
P.S.P. If you've read and understood Moby Dick, there will also be allusions and other themes for you to recognize and appreciate, but the concepts are clear without having read about Ahab or Starbuck in advance.
P.S. It's possible that if I didn't like or understand hockey at all that I wouldn't like this book as much, but I don't think any knowledge of the game itself is necessary to appreciate the novel or its plot, characters, themes, etc.
P.S.P. If you've read and understood Moby Dick, there will also be allusions and other themes for you to recognize and appreciate, but the concepts are clear without having read about Ahab or Starbuck in advance.
September 19, 2016
There is something about this book. It felt so friendly, so affably inviting, welcoming. Something about the genuineness of the characters and their relationships with one another. Something about the progression of the plot through out the childhood and teenage years of two boys. Something about watching them grow and prosper. Something about this book lead me to read it in a matter of two days. Maybe it was my undying love for hockey. Or maybe it was Finnie Walsh telling her to persist. Whatever it was, I'm grateful for it. This book exceeded my expectations and I enjoyed every word in it. Final verdict: If you love hockey, read this. Yes, it goes beyond the realm of ice skates and rubber disks, to a world of two boys and their struggles. But the book is honestly so much more enjoyable if you love the game.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because it was too short!! I want moreeee!!!
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because it was too short!! I want moreeee!!!
January 2, 2017
1. Finnie Walsh by Steven Galloway
Paul Woodward, the narrator of the story, is a working-class boy, while Finnie’s father owns half the town, including the mill where Paul’s father works. Both boys are hockey mad and work with each other to improve their skills. After a freak accident in the mill (Mr. Woodward loses an arm), the Woodwards are struggling financially, and Paul has a new little sister, Sarah, whose presence is felt throughout the book. Paul’s older sister, Louise, and his father’s new best friend, the one-armed school janitor, Mr. Pal, are nicely done. Finnie and Paul continue their hockey careers as older teenagers but their paths go in different directions on different teams. The use of the lives of Canadian hockey heroes is interesting, but while I could relate to Paul, I found Finnie a little flat, never outgrowing his rich boy attitude. I will be ordering more of this author’s books.
Paul Woodward, the narrator of the story, is a working-class boy, while Finnie’s father owns half the town, including the mill where Paul’s father works. Both boys are hockey mad and work with each other to improve their skills. After a freak accident in the mill (Mr. Woodward loses an arm), the Woodwards are struggling financially, and Paul has a new little sister, Sarah, whose presence is felt throughout the book. Paul’s older sister, Louise, and his father’s new best friend, the one-armed school janitor, Mr. Pal, are nicely done. Finnie and Paul continue their hockey careers as older teenagers but their paths go in different directions on different teams. The use of the lives of Canadian hockey heroes is interesting, but while I could relate to Paul, I found Finnie a little flat, never outgrowing his rich boy attitude. I will be ordering more of this author’s books.
June 30, 2007
My friend recommended this book to me. I thought she was crazy. It's about little boys who like hockey. I'm not a hockey fan and I didn't think I would be able to relate to these hockey obsessed little boys. Was I ever wrong. This may be my favorite coming of age story ever. The relationship between Paul and Finnie is so great that anyone will be able to see themself and their best friend in these characters. I've recommended this book to countless people who have come back and said how much they love it. I also suggested it to a friend of mine who teaches high school english for his reluctant readers. They ate it up. Truly a GREAT READ!
November 12, 2012
I love Steven Galloway! This book is so unlike the Cellist of Sarajavo (which is probably one of my top 20 books). It is the story of small town Canada in the 80's. A coming of age story of two boys, one the son of a rich widower and the other the poor son from a loving family, and their love of hockey. This book was a little A Prayer for Owen Meany and a little A Christmas Story, without being a rip-off of either. It had the same black humor mixed with bizarre episodes in the narrative. The ending took me a bit to accept. At first I found it over the top but then it went with the whole quirkiness of the book. Loved it!
Read
July 29, 2011I loved this book not only because it kept me awake reading long after I should have gone to bed, but also because it is about the purity of sport and the way that children can be insightful. Always a fan of a novel that gives a respectful voice to child characters. This is just such a pure story and articulates complex emotions really well.
August 31, 2014
This was a nice story - well told. Not an "amazing" book, for me at least, but I believe this was one of Galloway's first books, so you can tell from this that the man can write. I think, though, if I had read this one first, I might not have pushed ahead to read his other books, which really would have been a shame.
September 9, 2014
Coming of Age stories are always appealing to me, and this was a good one... though it revolved around hockey and young boys. Two things I know little about. It was also a little too Young Adult in its execution, but still a good solid story. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving was an obvious influence for it.
July 26, 2011
He must have read John Knowles' "A Separate Peace" before writing this. Creative, unique, rivetting. You need to have hockey blood in your veins before the true depth of this piece really hits home. But for the rest of the world, it's still a darn good read.
Read
April 13, 2012This book was good, I did enjoy it. Well, up until the end. The ending really sucked.
*spoiler*
I mean couldn't Finnie have died with some dignity. Did he really have to become obese, and a drunk. Was that really necessary for him to die for hockey.
*spoiler*
I mean couldn't Finnie have died with some dignity. Did he really have to become obese, and a drunk. Was that really necessary for him to die for hockey.
November 5, 2013
I read this for English.. and well I was kinda surprised I like it :D OMG there were some times when I was like HAHAHHA I KNEW IT ALL ALONG. I thought it was pretty good, but FINNIE THOUGH AT THE END UGGGHHHHH
August 1, 2010
100% fantastic read. There are characters here for everyone to be intrigued by and there's hockey. I really like this book.
August 12, 2011
A wonderful story. I love it every time I read it.
October 5, 2011
Reseña crítica de este libro en mi blog: http://unpickwickianoenblandings.word...
June 27, 2013
Felt like I was reading a John Irving book - all that was missing was the bear!
Chose it because I loved his "Cellist of Sarajevo"
But a sweet, easy read - nothing too deep.
Chose it because I loved his "Cellist of Sarajevo"
But a sweet, easy read - nothing too deep.
October 25, 2013
Kept me up late reading. Coming of age story with great character development and a hockey theme, but not just for boys.
November 2, 2013
Wonderful characters. This is a short, fast read packed with wisdom. It makes me want to read Moby Dick again!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews