Bombing the Moon

by Nancy Chislett

At 24, Devin Rush's future is unknown and his parents don't support his dream of becoming a songwriter. Jobless and antagonistic, Devin feels like the world is rigged against him, and his parents, wondering if he'll ever man up, fear he'll depend on them for life. But when Devin's grandfather gives him a one-way ticket to Nairobi, Kenya, Devin believes it's his family that wants him gone; outraged and seeing no alternative, he leaves abruptly, and is thrust into a world unlike any he's ever seen. Stunned by his sudden departure, Devin's parents and sister are pushed further afield of the control they crave. Resentment and guilt nudge his parent's marriage closer to collapse, and abandonment triggers his sister's long-buried shame. Meanwhile, when Nairobi's election approaches and tensions erupt, Devin is faced with choices and consequences that are all too real. Beautifully written, often subversive and darkly funny, Bombing the Moon is an honest, intimate exploration of the promises and limitations of tough love.

284 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2022

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compelling and well-written story. Vivid description makes it easy to picture each scene. Each of the four characters come alive in the telling. I kept turning the pages to find out more about the characters and how the troubled family dynamics would evolve. The way in which each character’s personality and backstory was revealed bit by bit throughout the story felt very natural and led to an almost-intimate connection with each character. The story and its characters stuck with me even after I’d finished the book.

[Bert Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It explores the universal struggles of family life with humour and wit. The story is told entirely through the voices of the characters. By the end, I could imagine what each voice sounded like in real life. Great job!

[Susan Holliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner. The book is about family dynamics, relationships and choices. It takes the reader on a journey from suburban Winnipeg to exotic Africa and back again with incredible description. Artfully written, a great read.

[Grant Ganczar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four characters tell this story. If you love character driven fiction this one is for you. The characters are richly drawn. It’s the closest you’ll come to telepathy.

[Joan Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

How we treat our children can lead to generational angst, or, perhaps, blooming love that weaves a net of joyous connections. In Bombing the Moon we see the results of well-meaning "tough love" parenting - settling for a career that doesn't reflect your true interests, bitterness, cynicism, anger and hopelessness. Twenty-four-year-old Devin, failing to launch on his own as a songwriter, irritating his protective parents and absent to his beloved younger sister Lily, is given a one-way ticket to Kenya, Africa by his take-action grandfather. In chaotic Kenya Devin is swept up in the transportation of illegal arms, drawn in by the charismatic Paul. Both the beautiful Mahaadi who is not who she seems, and the beloved Kasim who leads Devin into politics and family harmony jog Devin into re-thinking family relationships. Meanwhile, in Winnipeg Devin's family teeters into dysfunction, his parents' marriage faltering, his sister hungrily manipulating men, and his grandfather dying. Devin's rejection of Paul and return to Canada is the catalyst for surprising changes in his family.

This book is full of innovative, striking metaphors that draw the reader into meaningful scenes. Sharp dialogue and reflective internal thought build character and develop themes: what makes a good family? is it better to build a career on desire or financial necessity? is poverty inevitable in developing countries? is success in love based on manipulation or truth? Each chapter alternates between the action in Kenya and the family dissolving in the same time in Canada. Shocking descriptions of Nairobi's poverty and desperation contrast with Winnipeg's eclectic middle class art scene.

Recommended for people who want to reflect on modern day family dynamics, African politics and finding your true path in life.

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aesthetic, tactile, emotional, delving. All words used to describe a work of art and that’s what this book is. An artful and palpable journey that takes you the reader along with the characters into their worlds. Feel what they feel, Chislett writes with expression and emotion. I admit to crying and laughing, feeling anxious, sad and happy. She writes from the four main character’s point of view which enables the reader to feel the whole story. You feel empathy for the main character but then… which one is the main character? Each of us will feel something different as her writing hits home on all of our individual experiences. A solid 5 stars and I look forward to reading (and feeling) more of her work.

[EvSieben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Nancy Chislett’s debut novel Bombing The Moon. The story became so much better for me when told from each character’s perspective especially as this story included travel and experiences in a different culture. While the travel brought some insight from a less privileged way of life to teach Devin to toughen up, his journey was more internal as highlighted through each character’s own challenges in life regardless of where they live.
I look forward to reading more by this new author.

[Maria Hauck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came upon this book unexpectedly. It has been a gift to read, being whisked into the lives of a family navigating their way through life. Not only does one get drawn into the complex journey of the characters, but the story itself is beautifully written, with both humor and depth. Little gems punctuate the narrative, leaving one eager for more. One of my favorites: “Want to know where nowhere is? Debris from what was, falling into the shadows of what could have been”.

Pure joy from an unexpected read. Highly recommended.