First published 2001
Alexander MacDonald has built a successful life despite losing his parents in a childhood tragedy. His older brother Calum lives as an alcoholic on Toronto's skid row, damaged by yet another family disaster. The MacDonald clan carries the weight of generations in exile, facing hardship after hardship since their ancestors left Scotland. Alexander draws strength from the family stories that flow through his blood. These tales range from wildly funny to devastating, but they all point to the same truth. When everything else fails, families must cling to hope against all odds. Alexander's connection to his heritage sustains him as he navigates between his own success and his brother's destruction. The clan's loyalty runs deeper than individual suffering.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, 21st-century, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-drama, found-family
Setting: Toronto, Scotland
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
304 pages · Paperback · Vintage
Content warnings: alcohol-abuse