Play Book Tag discussion

I had to think for a while before writing a review for this one. I love Ondaatje's books, but they take some effort (for me anyway).

This book tells the story of the immigrant workers who built some of the large public works in early 20th Century Toronto. The author did extensive research on the topic and seamlessly weaves facts in with the fiction.

The main narrator is Patrick Lewis, and he's relaying the story of his life to his daughter during a road trip. He was raised by his father on a farm in rural Ontario. His father made a living through manual labor, including working as a dynamiter for logging crews.

Patrick also pursues life as a laborer, eventually becoming politicized as part of early, violent union efforts.

But Patrick is really a stand-in for the Italians, Macedonians, Greeks and others who live and work unseen and unknown in Toronto. The living and working conditions are atrocious. And in stark contrast, the sense of community among the workers is very strong.