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Far Creek Road
Innocence confronts suburban secrets during a modern witch hunt
It’s 1961, and Mary Alice (Tink) Parker is nine years old. She lives with her parents in a Vancouver suburb where many fathers are traumatized veterans of the Second World War and almost all the mothers are housewives. They believe they’ve earned secure and prosperous lives after the sacrifices they made during the war. But under the conformist veneer seethe conflicts and secrets that make the serenity of Grouse Valley precarious.
The story of the unraveling of the neighborhood is told by Tink, an eccentric child who is funny, observant, and impossibly nosy, with a tendency to blurt whatever’s on her mind. Bucolic at first, the story darkens as McCarthy-era paranoia infects the adults and spills over into the lives of the children.
The parents of Tink’s best friend Norman are schoolteachers with leftist beliefs. When the Cuban Missile Crisis threatens, Norman’s parents face a witch hunt while the boy becomes a target of bullies. Tink does her best to defend Norman. But as she looks for help, Tink stumbles on a web of secrets — including evidence of a torrid affair — that will change their lives forever.
It’s 1961, and Mary Alice (Tink) Parker is nine years old. She lives with her parents in a Vancouver suburb where many fathers are traumatized veterans of the Second World War and almost all the mothers are housewives. They believe they’ve earned secure and prosperous lives after the sacrifices they made during the war. But under the conformist veneer seethe conflicts and secrets that make the serenity of Grouse Valley precarious.
The story of the unraveling of the neighborhood is told by Tink, an eccentric child who is funny, observant, and impossibly nosy, with a tendency to blurt whatever’s on her mind. Bucolic at first, the story darkens as McCarthy-era paranoia infects the adults and spills over into the lives of the children.
The parents of Tink’s best friend Norman are schoolteachers with leftist beliefs. When the Cuban Missile Crisis threatens, Norman’s parents face a witch hunt while the boy becomes a target of bullies. Tink does her best to defend Norman. But as she looks for help, Tink stumbles on a web of secrets — including evidence of a torrid affair — that will change their lives forever.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2023
6 people are currently reading
1326 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Krueger
15 books49 followersLesley Krueger's latest novel, Far Creek Road, is now out from ECW Press. Sheila Murray, author of Finding Edward, calls it "masterful."
According to a starred review in the Mirimachi Reader, "Far Creek Road is a wonderfully written novel, with full and rich characters, a delightful narrator, and very much the adult version of those Judy Blume stories we loved as kids. I was sucked into this novel right away, and Krueger’s ability to immerse me inside of Tink’s mind was impressive."
Lesley's previous novel, Time Squared, was published in September 2021 -- a time travelling look at the role of women through the ages. Says critic Kerry Clare, "I’ll dive right in and tell you that the novel, Time Squared by Lesley Krueger, which I’ve loved more than I’ve loved than any book I’ve read in ages."
Lesley is the author of four previous novels, a travel memoir and two books of short stories, as well as a novel for children aged ten and up. She lives in Toronto with her husband and their elderly cat, Archie.
According to a starred review in the Mirimachi Reader, "Far Creek Road is a wonderfully written novel, with full and rich characters, a delightful narrator, and very much the adult version of those Judy Blume stories we loved as kids. I was sucked into this novel right away, and Krueger’s ability to immerse me inside of Tink’s mind was impressive."
Lesley's previous novel, Time Squared, was published in September 2021 -- a time travelling look at the role of women through the ages. Says critic Kerry Clare, "I’ll dive right in and tell you that the novel, Time Squared by Lesley Krueger, which I’ve loved more than I’ve loved than any book I’ve read in ages."
Lesley is the author of four previous novels, a travel memoir and two books of short stories, as well as a novel for children aged ten and up. She lives in Toronto with her husband and their elderly cat, Archie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 15, 2024
It seems I’ve (temporarily, I hope) lost the ability to write a review, so I’m going to say just a few things:
The main character in this book is one of my favourites ever! “Tink” is a 9-year-old, growing up in the early 60s in a North Vancouver suburb. (I grew up in the same period, so the novel feels very comfortable and familiar to me.) The author did an exceptional job creating her characters—especially Tink. She narrates the story as an adult looking back over her young life. Far Creek Road is a spectacular story - one of the best I’ve read in a very long time. It’s intelligent, it covers a lot of area, and it includes all the feels you could ever want.
And that’s all I’m going to say, but I hope a LOT of you will choose to read the book. It’s incredibly good and I guarantee you won’t be sorry.
5 “Vote-Tink-for-Prime-Minister” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The main character in this book is one of my favourites ever! “Tink” is a 9-year-old, growing up in the early 60s in a North Vancouver suburb. (I grew up in the same period, so the novel feels very comfortable and familiar to me.) The author did an exceptional job creating her characters—especially Tink. She narrates the story as an adult looking back over her young life. Far Creek Road is a spectacular story - one of the best I’ve read in a very long time. It’s intelligent, it covers a lot of area, and it includes all the feels you could ever want.
And that’s all I’m going to say, but I hope a LOT of you will choose to read the book. It’s incredibly good and I guarantee you won’t be sorry.
5 “Vote-Tink-for-Prime-Minister” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 11, 2023
“The Hortons are intellectuals, Tink,” my father said. “They’re readers. Thinkers. Fish out of water, at least around here. They’re not bad people. They’re just different.”
It's a shame that there will be days when avid book readers or new visitors who desire to get back into reading may pass or swipe by this compelling story set in the 1960s on the North Shore of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Neither the cover nor the title reveal too much. So, it is up to myself and other reviewers to get the word out.
Our main protagonist is Mary Alice( Tink) Parker, a ten-year-old girl who is just trying to figure it all out. When she befriends the newly arrived, Norman Horton, it isn't long before her suburban paradise is rocked by fear of communists, missiles, and people who are different. Far Creek Road brings readers back to a time we might have forgotten but still seems relatively similar to the world we live in today.
What I loved about this story:
-Mary Alice as our protagonist. I don't think I could have handled any of the adults in this story.
-The friendship between Mary Alice and Norman.
-This book is a book club selection of promising proportions. So much to unpack and discuss. There will be a wide variety of opinions on all of this cast of characters
-I loved the author's personal connection to so many aspects of this story.
- So much is made of the United States, the Soviet Union, and the Cold War that we sometimes forget that the "Red Scare" was just as prevalent here in Canada.
- One of the most devasting epilogues I have ever read. I understand why the author couldn't give me what I most desired BUT my heart still ached.
“You can never know what goes on inside families, nickens. Not from outside.
Don't miss this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
#FarCreekRoad #NetGalley
Expected Publication Date 24/10/23
Goodreads Review 10/09/23
It's a shame that there will be days when avid book readers or new visitors who desire to get back into reading may pass or swipe by this compelling story set in the 1960s on the North Shore of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Neither the cover nor the title reveal too much. So, it is up to myself and other reviewers to get the word out.
Our main protagonist is Mary Alice( Tink) Parker, a ten-year-old girl who is just trying to figure it all out. When she befriends the newly arrived, Norman Horton, it isn't long before her suburban paradise is rocked by fear of communists, missiles, and people who are different. Far Creek Road brings readers back to a time we might have forgotten but still seems relatively similar to the world we live in today.
What I loved about this story:
-Mary Alice as our protagonist. I don't think I could have handled any of the adults in this story.
-The friendship between Mary Alice and Norman.
-This book is a book club selection of promising proportions. So much to unpack and discuss. There will be a wide variety of opinions on all of this cast of characters
-I loved the author's personal connection to so many aspects of this story.
- So much is made of the United States, the Soviet Union, and the Cold War that we sometimes forget that the "Red Scare" was just as prevalent here in Canada.
- One of the most devasting epilogues I have ever read. I understand why the author couldn't give me what I most desired BUT my heart still ached.
“You can never know what goes on inside families, nickens. Not from outside.
Don't miss this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
#FarCreekRoad #NetGalley
Expected Publication Date 24/10/23
Goodreads Review 10/09/23
July 19, 2023
In Far Creek Road, Lesley Krueger paints a beautiful suburban gothic landscape, shown through the eyes of precocious nine-year-old Mary Alice "Tink" Parker. Suddenly thrust out of the oblivious security of her youth, Tink is left to navigate a confusing new world of gendered societal expectations and international missile crises.
Using Cold-War era suburban Vancouver as a backdrop, Krueger tells a heartbreaking story of childhood innocence, friendship, and rebellion in the face of political paranoia.
Thank you to ECW Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel!
Using Cold-War era suburban Vancouver as a backdrop, Krueger tells a heartbreaking story of childhood innocence, friendship, and rebellion in the face of political paranoia.
Thank you to ECW Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel!
October 19, 2023
A thoughtful 8 year old Tink makes for an interesting read. It's 1961 and life in the Vancouver suburbs seems fine on the surface but there's a lot underneath, And then the Cuban missile crisis brings it to the forefront. This is a deceptively simple tale that those of us who grew up in the 60s will most appreciate. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.
October 21, 2023
Far Creek Road by Lesley Krueger is a very highly recommended domestic drama set in the early 1960's where a young girl faces adult problems. An excellent literary novel!
Mary Alice (Tink) Parker lives in Grouse Valley, a Vancouver suburb. Her father, like many fathers, is a WWII veteran and her mother, like almost all other mothers, is a housewife. Tink is nine (and ten) years-old in the novel and her life full of playing outside, reading comics, and attending school. Tink's brother and sister are much older than her, so she is basically an only child. Her best friend is Norman Horton whose family just moved to the neighborhood. Both of his parents are teachers and the Hortons are different. A working mother is unusual enough, but they are also intellectuals and hold strong left beliefs during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The narrative foreshadows the coming fear surrounding the threat of a nuclear attack but there are also other things going on in the neighborhood that Tink doesn't understand. Krueger establishes the setting and the innocence of the time which contrast sharply with the changes and adult problems that come later in the novel. Tink is a wonderful, unforgettable, fully realized character. Kruger does an excellent job capturing her innocence, as well as her fear and uncertainty of the events around her that she has no control over.
The time period, at least from a child's point-of-view, is carefully crafted and presented in a realistic way. Duck and cover drills were especially terrifying as some locations practiced these well into the late 60's. With Far Creek Road, Krueger has captured a time in history of unrest and fear and the effects this had on a young girl and her friend. The narrative covers more than the political and international atmosphere of the times. It also clearly shows bullying, abuse, infidelity, and the inevitability of some people's unwillingness to think for themselves when it is easier to go along to get along. In some ways Far Creek Road is reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of ECW Press via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/1...
Mary Alice (Tink) Parker lives in Grouse Valley, a Vancouver suburb. Her father, like many fathers, is a WWII veteran and her mother, like almost all other mothers, is a housewife. Tink is nine (and ten) years-old in the novel and her life full of playing outside, reading comics, and attending school. Tink's brother and sister are much older than her, so she is basically an only child. Her best friend is Norman Horton whose family just moved to the neighborhood. Both of his parents are teachers and the Hortons are different. A working mother is unusual enough, but they are also intellectuals and hold strong left beliefs during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The narrative foreshadows the coming fear surrounding the threat of a nuclear attack but there are also other things going on in the neighborhood that Tink doesn't understand. Krueger establishes the setting and the innocence of the time which contrast sharply with the changes and adult problems that come later in the novel. Tink is a wonderful, unforgettable, fully realized character. Kruger does an excellent job capturing her innocence, as well as her fear and uncertainty of the events around her that she has no control over.
The time period, at least from a child's point-of-view, is carefully crafted and presented in a realistic way. Duck and cover drills were especially terrifying as some locations practiced these well into the late 60's. With Far Creek Road, Krueger has captured a time in history of unrest and fear and the effects this had on a young girl and her friend. The narrative covers more than the political and international atmosphere of the times. It also clearly shows bullying, abuse, infidelity, and the inevitability of some people's unwillingness to think for themselves when it is easier to go along to get along. In some ways Far Creek Road is reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of ECW Press via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/1...
March 24, 2024
|| FAR CREEK ROAD ||
#gifted @ecwpress
What was the last book set in the 1960's you enjoyed?
•
"The air raid siren revved up half an hour before dismissal. That rising, throat clearing her er-er-er followed by a long metallic shriek holding endlessly without human intake of breath. It hurt my chest, but I didn't panic. None of us panicked. It was more of a case of being paralyzed, including Miss Oliphant. The P.A. crackled with Mr Eisenstadt's voice. "Teachers, this may not be a drill. Your classes to the auditorium in orderly fashion. I repeat, this may not be a drill."
✍🏻
I loved this captivating story taking place in a 1960's North Vancouver suburb with the threatening Cuban missile crisis in the backdrop. Narrated by one of the best main characters, funny and eccentric "Tink" who is nine years old. Tink is observant and curious. A child living in a fearful, political time surrounded by adults who's morality is muddled.
I loved loved the setting! Suburbia with its picturesque beauty on the surface with many complicated layers underneath. I am very drawn to this time period anyway but I enjoyed how it was set in Vancouver. I dont think enough books from this time period set in Canada exist. And Tink was fantastic! Sometimes a child narrator can be a miss but Krueger has created a wonderful narrator who captivated me from the start. Tink is still so young yet endearing but living in this time of fear that fuels paranoia in the adults, political realities, adult problems, secrets, suburbia unraveling, I ate it all up and was a wreck at the end.
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
#gifted @ecwpress
What was the last book set in the 1960's you enjoyed?
•
"The air raid siren revved up half an hour before dismissal. That rising, throat clearing her er-er-er followed by a long metallic shriek holding endlessly without human intake of breath. It hurt my chest, but I didn't panic. None of us panicked. It was more of a case of being paralyzed, including Miss Oliphant. The P.A. crackled with Mr Eisenstadt's voice. "Teachers, this may not be a drill. Your classes to the auditorium in orderly fashion. I repeat, this may not be a drill."
✍🏻
I loved this captivating story taking place in a 1960's North Vancouver suburb with the threatening Cuban missile crisis in the backdrop. Narrated by one of the best main characters, funny and eccentric "Tink" who is nine years old. Tink is observant and curious. A child living in a fearful, political time surrounded by adults who's morality is muddled.
I loved loved the setting! Suburbia with its picturesque beauty on the surface with many complicated layers underneath. I am very drawn to this time period anyway but I enjoyed how it was set in Vancouver. I dont think enough books from this time period set in Canada exist. And Tink was fantastic! Sometimes a child narrator can be a miss but Krueger has created a wonderful narrator who captivated me from the start. Tink is still so young yet endearing but living in this time of fear that fuels paranoia in the adults, political realities, adult problems, secrets, suburbia unraveling, I ate it all up and was a wreck at the end.
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
October 10, 2023
Far Creek Road by Lesley Krueger is an enticing story of childhood in the early 60s, on its surface. Tink (Mary Alice) is eight years old, a little younger in the beginning and we see the world around her through her eyes. It is a confusing world, full of ghosts and threats. Things don’t get really ugly for her until the Cuban Missile Crisis and the talk of nuclear war. The bomb drills at school got more often, and everyone was looking for someone to blame. As usual, the bullies came out in force. For Norman and Tink it was a time filled with hate, sadly for Norman and his family. The finger of communism was pointed at them and before too long the mob mentality took over. It was a lot of eight-years olds, both literally and figuratively.
Krueger wrote these characters masterfully, imbuing each of them with well-rounded personalities, especially Tink and her family. The Hortons, who lived just down the street, were kind people, both teachers, but we saw them treat others with respect. The Manners’ men, grandfather, father, and son were all bullies and in the end didn’t seem to pay much of a price for their misdeeds. It was a frightening time and Krueger was able to get that across in words, more than simply the drills, but in the whole atmosphere of the piece. It was an excellent story, explaining the time better than any history lesson even could. Well done!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Far Creek Road by ECW Press, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #ECWPress #LesleyKrueger #FarCreekRoad
Krueger wrote these characters masterfully, imbuing each of them with well-rounded personalities, especially Tink and her family. The Hortons, who lived just down the street, were kind people, both teachers, but we saw them treat others with respect. The Manners’ men, grandfather, father, and son were all bullies and in the end didn’t seem to pay much of a price for their misdeeds. It was a frightening time and Krueger was able to get that across in words, more than simply the drills, but in the whole atmosphere of the piece. It was an excellent story, explaining the time better than any history lesson even could. Well done!
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Far Creek Road by ECW Press, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #ECWPress #LesleyKrueger #FarCreekRoad
August 16, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!
I found this story captivating, although it was set slightly earlier than when I grew up, I can remember the Cold war concerns, the increased suspicion and hatred of anyone different, hatred based on.. fear of the unknown, I can vaguely even remember "duck and cover" drills at school, and the white hot almost paralyzing fear of the "threat" of nuclear war and of communism (overblown as they seem in retrospect).
I just loved the main character, and her father, and their delicate yet firm strength as they stood by their friends and families , and what they knew was right (essentially not turning their backs on loved ones due to fear-mongering or idle gossip).
A lovely story with lessons that are told with a deft humor and with care. I missed the characters in this book the moment I read the last page - that is a wonderful attestation to an author's storytelling ability, and this author weaves her words into a blanket of warmth and comfort that you will not soon wish to leave. I am going to search for more by this author as soon as I press Send on this review!
Until next time, dear readers, pick up a copy of this book, if you were a child of the 60s or the 70s you will be immediately transported to times treasured in your memories...
I found this story captivating, although it was set slightly earlier than when I grew up, I can remember the Cold war concerns, the increased suspicion and hatred of anyone different, hatred based on.. fear of the unknown, I can vaguely even remember "duck and cover" drills at school, and the white hot almost paralyzing fear of the "threat" of nuclear war and of communism (overblown as they seem in retrospect).
I just loved the main character, and her father, and their delicate yet firm strength as they stood by their friends and families , and what they knew was right (essentially not turning their backs on loved ones due to fear-mongering or idle gossip).
A lovely story with lessons that are told with a deft humor and with care. I missed the characters in this book the moment I read the last page - that is a wonderful attestation to an author's storytelling ability, and this author weaves her words into a blanket of warmth and comfort that you will not soon wish to leave. I am going to search for more by this author as soon as I press Send on this review!
Until next time, dear readers, pick up a copy of this book, if you were a child of the 60s or the 70s you will be immediately transported to times treasured in your memories...
March 16, 2024
First and foremost, I really enjoyed that this book was told entirely from a child’s perspective.
The story itself, about a community’s reaction to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1961/62 as seen through the eyes of a nine year old, is illuminating .... I didn’t always relate to Tink, and how she saw things, but I was often reminded of what it was like to be nine.
The other characters were credible and well drawn for the most part, but there were times when I could not keep track of them all and just what the heck was going on with them. There were also occasions when I was not able to follow Tink's train of thought, dialogue and actions. However, with time and hindsight, I was able to figure it out. So while I was confused at times by the narrative, it did come together for me eventually.
I think this book will require a re-read so that I can more fully absorb the fictional story-line in relation to the very real events of the time, i.e., the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis, and the fear, anger and controlled panic it precipitated. In fact, I would venture to say that this book deserves a re-read .... just so that I can enjoy it all over again!
This is my honest and unbiased review of the novel, Far Creek Road by Lesley Krueger, an Advance Reading Copy of which was provided to me by ECW Press.
The story itself, about a community’s reaction to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1961/62 as seen through the eyes of a nine year old, is illuminating .... I didn’t always relate to Tink, and how she saw things, but I was often reminded of what it was like to be nine.
The other characters were credible and well drawn for the most part, but there were times when I could not keep track of them all and just what the heck was going on with them. There were also occasions when I was not able to follow Tink's train of thought, dialogue and actions. However, with time and hindsight, I was able to figure it out. So while I was confused at times by the narrative, it did come together for me eventually.
I think this book will require a re-read so that I can more fully absorb the fictional story-line in relation to the very real events of the time, i.e., the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis, and the fear, anger and controlled panic it precipitated. In fact, I would venture to say that this book deserves a re-read .... just so that I can enjoy it all over again!
This is my honest and unbiased review of the novel, Far Creek Road by Lesley Krueger, an Advance Reading Copy of which was provided to me by ECW Press.
October 27, 2023
I think for me what drew me was the time period. I love the 50's and 60's.
I guess because my mom grew up in those days.
A lot of historical happenings that I'm sure she'd remember if she were still here.
I used to imagine myself living in those days. When tv first came out along with other things.
This was so interesting that I finished it in one evening. Did I lose sleep? Yes, I did because I truly enjoyed Tink's story. Tink is a remarkable character. I liked her immediately.
I really loved that it was told from her POV. My favorite thing in a book.
No one truly knows what actually goes on inside a family home. Could be good could be bad.
The many secrets and events are what kept me glued to the book.
I also remember Walter Cronkite and the rest of the story. Of course he was older then but still my favorite TV reporter.
I highly recommend this book. Lots of wonderful things are happening here.
Please don't pass up this excellent read! Yes it does start slow but it's worth it
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I guess because my mom grew up in those days.
A lot of historical happenings that I'm sure she'd remember if she were still here.
I used to imagine myself living in those days. When tv first came out along with other things.
This was so interesting that I finished it in one evening. Did I lose sleep? Yes, I did because I truly enjoyed Tink's story. Tink is a remarkable character. I liked her immediately.
I really loved that it was told from her POV. My favorite thing in a book.
No one truly knows what actually goes on inside a family home. Could be good could be bad.
The many secrets and events are what kept me glued to the book.
I also remember Walter Cronkite and the rest of the story. Of course he was older then but still my favorite TV reporter.
I highly recommend this book. Lots of wonderful things are happening here.
Please don't pass up this excellent read! Yes it does start slow but it's worth it
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 9, 2023
FAR CREEK ROAD is set in a Vancouver in the early 1960’s. The story is seen through the eyes of a young Mary Alice Parker who prefers to be called by her nickname Tink. A precocious and curious child Mary Alice is the youngest child in the Parker family.
A new family moves in to the neighbourhood. Hoping to make a new friend, Mary Alice discovers the Horton family has a son her age. Norman is a quiet boy who has recently recovered from a bout of polio and needs to wear a brace. Mary Alice quickly befriends Norman determined to see he fits in at school.
Being the sixties subjects such as the Cold War, the bomb and communism are topics of concern for the families in the Vancouver suburb. Mary Alice always keen to be in the know makes it her business to find out what is going on but Mary Alice slowly comes to the realization that knowing isn’t always for the best.
Mary Alice is an engaging and memorable character. The supporting characters and the world events make FAR CREEK ROAD an interesting story.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to ECW Press for providing an advanced digital edition of FAR CREEK ROAD.
October 30, 2023
It was interesting to read about this time period and how people in Canada experienced the Cuban missile crisis. I felt that this was really something different from the plethora of world war one and world war two novels. I am entirely burned out on war fiction presently and was a bit concerned that this book would be white noise for me. This was not the case, luckily. I immediately liked the protagonist and the innocence she brings to the book. Her lack of understanding is used as a way to educate the reader about what the world was like during this time for those that did not experience it. I liked that there was originality in the specific events that happened in the area where the protagonist was growing up. It really added to the authenticity. I was not extremely blown away by this book as I felt it was lacking in grasping the nuances and sensation of this period in time. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.
February 16, 2024
“ Far Creek Road" by Lesley Krueger is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of suburban life in 1961 Vancouver. Through the eyes of the tenacious and witty protagonist, Mary Alice (Tink) Parker, readers are drawn into a world where the veneer of security and prosperity is shattered by underlying conflicts and secrets. Krueger skillfully weaves a tale that starts innocently but takes a darker turn as McCarthy-era paranoia grips the neighborhood. Tink's friendship with Norman, whose parents are targeted due to their leftist beliefs, adds depth to the narrative as she navigates the challenges of loyalty and standing up against bullies. The novel's exploration of loyalty, friendship, and the impact of secrets on individuals and communities makes it a compelling read that lingers in the mind long after the final page
Thanks to Ms Krueger, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Ms Krueger, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2023
Excellent - a page-turner that is perceptive, insightful, expertly-paced and very moving. Set in a Vancouver suburb in the 1960s it is narrated by that tricky thing to bring off – a child narrator. Mary Alice, or Tink, is a sassy and observant nine year old whose voice is cleverly and convincingly maintained throughout. She watches and absorbs and tries to make sense of the adult world around her. Initially the novel feels like a gentle and funny portrait of a community seen through a child’s eyes but gradually it all becomes darker and more threatening as we move into the Cold War, the Cuban Missile crisis and the McCarthy era. The deceptively gentle start turns into a devastating end. Politics, prejudice, intolerance – they’re all here and it’s not long before Tink’s childhood innocence is destroyed for ever. A great read.
October 1, 2023
For me this was a tough book to read. I felt like I was trudging through the book just to get it read. The story is narrated by an 8 year old girl who maybe knew too much about bomb warning sirens and The Cold War. I had a hard time connecting with her or really any of the characters. I believe a lot of research went into this book and I think the author did a great job describing the fear in the people. This story also covers the time period when anyone and anybody could be accused of being a communist and lose their livelihood. I think maybe this book should be listed as YA historical fiction. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 26, 2023
Four stars for the ending. The first 3/4 of the book did drag for me. In my opinion, a few chapters could have been eliminated as it seemed the same information was in each of them. It did become monotonous. The book is from the perspective of an adult looking back at her childhood memories so I did keep that in mind. It is an excellent book regarding what it was like growing up with the threat of nuclear war. The book took place in Canada, but a lot of the cultural references were in the US. The US/Russia aspect made sense in that context but some of the other references seemed out of place for me. The ending did pick up and showed the consequences of mob mentalities. That is definitely relevant to today as well. I did enjoy the book but it could have been shorter.
May 22, 2025
I loved this story. While I reached a comparable age to Tink and Norman nearly two decades later than the story's time, I felt transported back to those years--the insecurity and uncertainty of life as it loses its childhood innocence, the dramas of the playground and the classroom, teachers picking favourites and even mistreating other students. Neighbourhood stories--often nothing more than everyday life that we take for granted--come alive in the eyes of Tink and her naive telling.
When the Missile Crisis arrived in the storyline it took me back to the day my school's principal was filling in for my teacher and pulled the world map down from the roller above the blackboard to show us the Falkland Islands during that short crisis.
When the Missile Crisis arrived in the storyline it took me back to the day my school's principal was filling in for my teacher and pulled the world map down from the roller above the blackboard to show us the Falkland Islands during that short crisis.
September 24, 2023
Reminiscent of Lesley Crewe’s Nosy Parker - what with a young, somewhat precocious girl as the protagonist.
I enjoyed reading this, though there is a restraint - in the writing and in the character development - that holds the reader at a distance.
I’m not sure quite who the audience is for this one… not sure that it really is an “adult” title, but neither does it recommend itself as a YA title.
Perhaps, as the publisher intends, the reader is someone of my vintage who was coming of age during the time of - or in the time after - the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile crisis.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for granting me access to an early digital review copy.
I enjoyed reading this, though there is a restraint - in the writing and in the character development - that holds the reader at a distance.
I’m not sure quite who the audience is for this one… not sure that it really is an “adult” title, but neither does it recommend itself as a YA title.
Perhaps, as the publisher intends, the reader is someone of my vintage who was coming of age during the time of - or in the time after - the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile crisis.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for granting me access to an early digital review copy.
October 31, 2023
Far Creek road by Leslie Krueger is a look into life in the 50s according to a 10-year-old girl named Tank she has a best friend named Norman a mom named Bunny in a busy house and family that she constantly compares to the outside world especially her best friend Norman whose family is unconventional his mom even has the audacity to work. This was so much fun to read in a book I definitely enjoyed I would be remiss if I didn’t give it the five stars it definitely deserves. I have read other books by Leslie Krueger and she is the author that I can always depend on for a good story. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my free arc copy
May 13, 2025
" I had more important worries, and chose a desk at the end of a middle row as far away from the window as possible, protecting myself from blindness in case of a nuclear explosion." human misery is all the same just different context I believe. Growing up in a war-torn country we were advised to put tape along the windows so the glasses wont spread and when we went to university and work the first thing was how to navigate your way to the safe rooms. And I remember we had a gender officer and she would put on the slide show to protect the vulnerable in these circumstances and therefore women should be evacuated first.
October 22, 2023
A very good read with characters you just have to love. Shades of To Kill a Mockingbird I suppose but more timely at least for anyone who remembers the 1960’s. The author described well how some world events whilst not fully understood by children still can have a big impact.
I’ve got to say this genre of book is my favourite so it had a lot to live up to and it did. I would honestly say a solid four and a half out of five but as no half marks available I’m not churlish enough to mark it down.
I’ve got to say this genre of book is my favourite so it had a lot to live up to and it did. I would honestly say a solid four and a half out of five but as no half marks available I’m not churlish enough to mark it down.
July 6, 2023
I spent a pleasant few hours in the company of Tink, who is the star of this book.
Her outlook on life, and the neighbours was a pleasure to read.
Her relationship with Norman was a lovely thing too.
The first half of the book felt like a gentle stroll through the village.
Some heavier subjects later in the story, but still an enjoyable read.
Her outlook on life, and the neighbours was a pleasure to read.
Her relationship with Norman was a lovely thing too.
The first half of the book felt like a gentle stroll through the village.
Some heavier subjects later in the story, but still an enjoyable read.
November 18, 2023
Let's call this one 3.5 stars...I feel it took a bit longer than it needed to in order to get to its climactic events, but it certainly creates a very successful creepy vibe in regards to early 60s suburbia. I also appreciated that many of the men in this story are WW2 veterans with varied traumatic experiences: a forgotten characteristic in regards to depicting people of that time period.
February 1, 2024
This was an interesting and entertaining novel. It had a mix of light, humorous moments and serious subjects.
I liked the early 1960s setting and how it incorporated the historical events of that time. I found the Cold War aspect interesting.
I also really enjoyed the main character's curiosity and inquisitive personality.
Thanks to ECW Press for the ARC.
I liked the early 1960s setting and how it incorporated the historical events of that time. I found the Cold War aspect interesting.
I also really enjoyed the main character's curiosity and inquisitive personality.
Thanks to ECW Press for the ARC.
November 12, 2023
It took a full third of the book for my brain to figure out the style of writing which made this difficult to get in to. The dialogue mixed with internal dialogue made it feel choppy to read. Also the long chapters felt tedious which is just preference. I did love the main character and her parents though and in the end I loved the perspective of the complexity of the time period through the eyes of a child. The climax of the book really wasn’t until the very end so I spent most of my time wondering where this was going sort of deal but the story was relatable to our present divisive society and I liked seeing the parallels as much as they are disheartening.
January 19, 2024
Perhaps this one was meant with the 60’s kids as the main audience, but the novel is so good I think it makes a great gift for today’s preteens, especially precocious (and delightful) kids like Tink. Loved it.
Want to read
October 13, 2023Great book
November 4, 2023
Really liked this story but was a little disappointed in the ending. This happens with so many books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2023
This is a delicious book. That's a funny way to describe a book that isn't a cookbook, but it is what comes to mind. It just so perfectly encapsulates the time period and the way that families were. It's slightly before my time as I was just six years old in 1962 but the nostalgia value is immense.
A wonderful story about friendship and children who are strong enough to be different, but who harbor their own fears from that which they don't fully understand. The sense of place is so strong that I felt as if I lived on the block with Tink and Norman--two characters who are awfully hard to let go of when you finish reading this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I loved every sentence.
A wonderful story about friendship and children who are strong enough to be different, but who harbor their own fears from that which they don't fully understand. The sense of place is so strong that I felt as if I lived on the block with Tink and Norman--two characters who are awfully hard to let go of when you finish reading this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I loved every sentence.
December 8, 2023
"People will find differences Tink, even if they have to use a magnifying glass."
Krueger's FAR CREEK ROAD was an enjoyable read, especially for me, who loves reading about various areas and eras of Canadian history.
Set in a suburb of Vancouver, Canada in the 1960s during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the book depicts a time when neighbours were recovering from World War II, dealing with the fear and division happening among the threat of nuclear war, a time where the "us versus them" mentality was high and "commies" were the ultimate enemy.
Told through the perspective of the kind-hearted, incredibly observant and spunky girl Tink, we learn about the neighbourhood and the myriad of neighbours, their personalities and pasts — including Tink's new best friend Norman and his family. We watch what happens as drama ensues, and things start to unravel and become more divided.
The beautiful friendship between Tink and Norman really touched my heart —in fact, it reminded me a bit of one of my favourite childhood literary friendships from Kirsten Cram's STARLING.
I also loved being transported back in time to this bygone era that would have been impossible to experience through reading a history book alone.
I recommend this read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.
Thank you so much to @ecwpress for the #gifted copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me for more book reviews here: http://www.instagram.com/michy.loves....
Krueger's FAR CREEK ROAD was an enjoyable read, especially for me, who loves reading about various areas and eras of Canadian history.
Set in a suburb of Vancouver, Canada in the 1960s during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the book depicts a time when neighbours were recovering from World War II, dealing with the fear and division happening among the threat of nuclear war, a time where the "us versus them" mentality was high and "commies" were the ultimate enemy.
Told through the perspective of the kind-hearted, incredibly observant and spunky girl Tink, we learn about the neighbourhood and the myriad of neighbours, their personalities and pasts — including Tink's new best friend Norman and his family. We watch what happens as drama ensues, and things start to unravel and become more divided.
The beautiful friendship between Tink and Norman really touched my heart —in fact, it reminded me a bit of one of my favourite childhood literary friendships from Kirsten Cram's STARLING.
I also loved being transported back in time to this bygone era that would have been impossible to experience through reading a history book alone.
I recommend this read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.
Thank you so much to @ecwpress for the #gifted copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me for more book reviews here: http://www.instagram.com/michy.loves....
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