Mouse

Mouse begins by taking us along different timelines. The present is one set in a remote Canadian community where a phenomenon of ice break up is affecting the residents, putting them and their surroundings in peril. Here, the central character of the novel, David Taylor, is working as a substitute teacher in a religious school. The community mainly consists of aboriginal Canadians who speak the Cree language, and there are tensions between them and the nuns who run the school. David is caught in the midst of a threatening natural event whilst also struggling with his place in the community. Alongside this scenario flashbacks to David’s past reveal his life before moving to the community. Here we see the early days of his romance with the woman who will become his wife, the beginnings of his marriage, and his pursuit of his painterly ambitions.

As the narrative progresses the timelines gradually converge, giving an effective sense of immediacy and investment in character. David initially seems quite aimless, and content to let life take him where it will, as opposed to trying to steer it himself. This leads to many instances of indecision and fecklessness, which make him quite unlikeable at times. I appreciated this aspect, as the protagonist is treated with nuance, his flaws on display and not easily resolved. His struggles are presented in a multifaceted manner, their origin and nature complicated and confused, which creates a candid, realist style.

From the beginning, David narrates his own story, presenting it to the titular Mouse, who we soon gather is his child. This choice by Reynolds mostly stands up, as there’s an interesting tension throughout the novel as questions are raised as to just why David feels it necessary to tell his side of the story. As the narrative progresses it is revealed why David would want to explain himself.

The most interesting theme of the novel is the representation of the aboriginal Canadians. While we see them through David’s filter, I think the author has given an authentic account of the strain created when one culture tries to inflict itself on another, whatever the intentions.

A well drawn narrative with an absorbing backdrop.

Mouse by Brian Reynolds

When the decision is to be indecisive.

I want to than Brian Reynolds for his hard work and commitment to this worthwhile endeavor.

Mouse starts with the narrator talking to his young daughter, nick-named Mouse. He is going to write about a past episode in her mother and father’s relationship. He will attempt to be truthful so when she is old enough she can read it and draw her own conclusions.

The story begins in 1977 in a classroom in the remote northern Ontario outpost of Orkney Post. David Taylor, the narrator, is a substitute teacher. The subsequent chapters jump back and forth in time to when he first met his wife, Suzanne, in Toronto and dramatic events unfolding in Orkney Post. The two time periods begin to merge as Suzanne takes a teaching job in Orkney Post to “make a difference” and David, now her husband, dutifully follows.

Suzanne can’t connect with the Native kids or their parents. She hates teaching them, hates the isolation and then gets pregnant. She wants to escape back to civilization for the sake of her sanity and the health of the baby. The nuns who run the school ask David if he’ll fill in to finish out her contract. David accepts since the couple has no money and no place to live down south except with his in-laws.

But David has an ulterior motive. He’s ambivalent about becoming a father. In fact, he suffers from chronic indecisiveness. The only reason he dodged the draft in the United States and came to Toronto was the insistence and assistance of a friend. An unsuccessful artist, his only real job since he arrived in Canada has been is a part-time position at Tim Horton’s.

David doesn’t know how to be a teacher and that helps him, since the Native children don’t know how to be students. He connects with them through art projects. Doors begin to open.

There’s a two week “hunting break” in the spring when the school is closed and all the teachers fly south for some R&R. David decides not to get on the plane, not to visit his pregnant wife. Instead he stays alone in Orkney Post. His wife can’t figure out why. Neither can David.

But he has no time to ponder or to paint. The ice on the river his breaking up, there’s a huge ice jam and Native village, located on an island is flooded. David is pressed into action, nothing really heroic but all the same he’s making a contribution, doing something worthwhile – finally.

It’s a frenetic two weeks. David becomes close to Rosemary, a nurse and a local band member. Too close. The affair is doomed but being indecisive also means you can’t say no.

The school year is ending and with it the teaching position. The baby is getting closer. The pressure mounts as David has to decide between Rosemary or Suzanne, between two very different ways of life, between two divergent futures.

Brian Reynolds has crafted a very human story filled with courage and weakness. The book is worth reading if only for its insights into the character of aboriginal Canadians and their plight shown through different characters and circumstances and the varied responses.

Reynolds plot is seamless and authentic. The use of flashbacks and narrator insights actually works. His characterization is remarkable in its subtlety as is the main character’s journey, both internal and external.

In a way the character of the protagonist, David, is symbolic of most Canadians when it comes to the issues surrounding our First Nations people – we mean well, but our efforts are weak and ineffectual and often do more harm than good. Thirty-four years later and not a lot has changed.

Mouse is a small story – unremarkable people living pretty regular lives, dealing with mostly everyday situations – no international locales, no larger than life heroes or villains, the world is never at risk. All the same it was a page-turner for me.

I received this book free from Smashwords as part of my commitment to review the work of new, self-published authors.



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I finished reading this book a few days ago, and although I'm in the midst of another enjoyable novel now, "Mouse" remains on my mind. It was a little slow-going at first. I even became slightly annoyed, when just as I would get involved in the story, the author would go back in time. However, I stuck with it, and am SO glad I did. I grew to appreciate the craft of how Mr. Reynolds was unfolding his story. This book is a gentle piece of art, unravelling the experiences of a man developing a relationship with Aboriginal Canadian people. I am grateful for the opportunity to have had a look into the harsh realities, and the kind energies of these people. I like how I feel that I was there with Mr. Reynolds. How angry I became at the horrific prejudices these Native Canadians endured.
Reflecting on the book, I realize how much I keep seeing scenes in my head. I truly think that "Mouse" would make an AMAZING full-length movie. The cinematography alone, would be breathtaking. The action scenes heart-stopping. The injustices and love story heartbreaking. As much as I love books, and don't think that they need to be made into movies to be validated, this world that Mr. Reynolds has shown us should be opened up to those who aren't bookworms, as well. Obviously "Mouse" has left an impression in my mind because I feel as if I HAVE seen the movie too!