Langside by Chris Walter

Set in the working poor district of West Central Winnipeg, Langside shines a harsh light on the many problems facing inner city residents. Pressured to join the local gang but unwilling to do so, thirteen year old Sky struggles to adapt to the world of guns and drugs around him. Meanwhile, opposing gangs eager to capitalize on the growing demand for crystal meth are on the verge of open warfare. As Sky’s alcoholic parents try to keep the family afloat and a pair of mismatched cops attempt to deal with the rising violence, the story races towards a breathless conclusion that will keep readers in suspense until the last moment. Despite Sky’s prominence as a central character, the book is not aimed at the youth market and is geared more towards adults. Bold and brazen, yet often darkly humourous, Langside is a fast paced snapshot of urban life, both tragic and hopeful, and poignant without being bleak.