Finton Moon

by Gerard Collins

Finton Moon is an unusual child who feels like an alien. A gentle soul growing up in the rough town of Darwin, Newfoundland, he lives with his strict Catholic mother and grandmother, lawless father and three older brothers. While his grandmother has him 'right ready for the seminary,' Finton's interest lies in books, nature and solitude. He is secretly in love with the unattainable Mary Connelly, while eschewing the attention of the equally misfit Alicia Dredge, who adores him from afar. In Finton's life, there are monsters everywhere, including Bridie Battenhatch, the crone next door who harbours secrets about the Moon family she will share in exchange for the boy's company, while all his heroes come from books and TV.

But Finton's parents quickly discover that he is extraordinary, for he has been born with the ability to heal with his hands. As he grows older, his miraculous talent becomes more apparent and useful, even as it isolates him further from those around him. While Finton Moon wants nothing more than to belong, he lives in a world that sees him as other, and his greatest fear is that he will be trapped forever with these people who both misunderstand and abuse him.

Genres: Fiction

330 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2011

Reviews

[Lee Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with his story collection, Moonlight Sketches, I like Collins's writing best when it's at its darkest, when it's Gothic, mysterious. There are some truly captivating (and mildly shocking) moments in Finton Moon, and for these alone I recommend the novel. For those who like a lighter touch and a guiding hand, you'll find that here too. Do the two mix well? Well, that's not an easy thing to balance and the less guiding hand the better, I feel. But I found the book engaging and quite deft at avoiding (just like Moonlight Sketches) the pratfalls of what can be seen as cliche, Atlantic Canadian territory: the Outport, the poverty, booze and small mindedness, and so on. Overall an enjoyable work that I only wish had taken a few more risks. Looking forward to Collins's next work.

(Would like to note that the book contains the first literal interpretation of 'there are no atheists in a foxhole' that I've read.)

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never heard of the author before I picked this up, the description really intrigued me.
The story of Finton Moon is the story of a boy who feels lost in the world. Particularly in his home town of Darwin where nothing really happens,everyone knows everyone and life is just going on and on.
Is he born with a gift to heal? Is his father just an out of work layabout handy dishing out punishment to his children....Is he really his mothers son?
Feeling lost,alone and a town misfit Finton feels the need to better himself and find his place in the scheme of things. He questions his faith,his belief in family... his healing powers?
And along the way to ultimately find himself and his redemption .
A marvelous tale from a very gifted author. Why this book has not been picked up by a major publisher is beyond me.
So much more than just a novel,but a commentary on dealing with life,s difficulties and hopefully overcoming trauma and guilt.
Hints of mysticism, religion, gothic and faith,this for me was a delightful and thought provoking novel.
Some great song references and even a hint at Stephen King make this book a great recommendation.
Absolutely loved it.

[Ronan O'Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fintan Moon wants to escape the 1970s small Newfoundland town of Darwin where he grows up. His only escape from a hardscrabble life is through reading and an imaginary place he calls his Planet of Solitude. He dreams of becoming a writer. This is all turned upside-down when it turns out he can heal people by drawing on the power of his imaginary place. Well-plotted and with a deft ear for dialogue, Collins suffuses this magical story with a lot of subtle humour. For example, the people of Darwin find it much easier to believe in Finton's supposed healing powers rather than his being a writer. An excellent bildungsroman with echoes between the small-town life it's main character ultimately transcends.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There was a low level WTFness about Finton throughout most of the book, and I always expected things to escalate, but that constant wonder really pushes you through the pages.
I was a little concerned about an unhappy ending when nearing the end, by the time you make it there, you really want the best for Finton.

It was nice reading a book about Newfoundland, however tongue in cheek, or however stereotypically they have been presented. The characters are alternately likeable and detestable which makes you cheer for Finton all the more. Being a newcomer to the East Coast, this book felt cozy.

[Nicole Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story written by a fantastic author.

[Allan Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story by a talented author. I highly recommend it.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read!