The Game of Giants

by Marion Douglas

A novel about the unpredictability of parenthood, a journey into the unchartered territory that is having a child, especially when that child turns out to be different.

Rose Drury has just learned that her son, Roger, is below average—at the third-percentile rank, according to the pediatrician. Co-parenting with her partner, Lucy, in a 1980s Calgary only just starting to accept same-sex relationships, Rose works to unearth her own desires from the quagmire of directives from others, while she grapples with the implications of Roger’s developmental delays.

Though Rose herself is a developmental psychologist and knows all of the “right” answers and “correct” things to do, she finds that she is all too human, struggling with the many social forces that converge on a mother of a kid who is different. With humour and desperation in equal measure, Rose reviews her life history for the definitive moment that could explain how she and her son got to this point.

In this sparkling and empathetic novel, Marion Douglas digs into a young mother’s uncertainty, fear, and hard-won wisdom as she and her son—an odd and lovable giant of unpredictability—forge a path forward.

Genres: Canada

346 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2024

Reviews

[lady gaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely write reviews but felt compelled to write this in the hopes that Marion herself might see another 5 star review on this novel. I loved the story line, I loved seeing a snippet of Alberta in the 80’s, I loved Rose’s inner dialogue and the quirky relationships that made up her colourful life. When the book ended it was one I was sad to part with. What a wonderful local gem, I’ve recommended it to everyone I know.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose, a young, newly separated pregnant woman, travels to Calgary to enroll in university and to generally figure it all out.
Here Rose meets Lucy, with whom she forms a partnership and together they raise little Roger.

Roger has developmental issues, he is termed "delayed," however the love, attention, and guidance he receives from Rose, Lucy, and others in his orbit are unparalleled.

Author Marian Douglas has created the most adorable little fellow, taking us through the joys (there are laughs ...) and uncertainties (... and there are tears) of steering young Roger through his early development.

A complex and intelligent novel that will evoke a huge smile, a sting behind the eyes, and a heart tug - a thoughtfully passionate read.

[Dawn Mcmillan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled to finish this book. At times this felt like I was reading a badly written personal journal. There were too many unnecessary comments and names of places mentioned making for stilted reading. The “mother” is wishy washy, emotional, paranoid, antagonistic, judgemental and immature. The author made it clear that to (mother) Rose, meeting the developmental needs of her child was secondary to meeting her own needs. Yes…there are many people and families like this…I just don’t want to read about them. Between the need for editing, stilted writing style and the unlikeable characters…I found this book a difficult read and I would not recommend it to a friend.

[Lisa Grønsund]

I received an advanced digital copy of this book, courtesy of the author and publisher, via Netgalley, for review consideration.

RTC

[Enid Wray]

I just couldn't get my head into this one.

DNF

[Janie Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm and funny book with characters I wish I could keep following. Marion has a gift of seeing sublime in the ordinary.