Barry Squires, Full Tilt takes readers on a romp through the streets
of St. John's and into the Squires household, a place where tragedy
strikes but love prevails. Derry Girls meets Billy Elliot with an
East coast twist.
It's 1995. When the Full Tilt Dancers give an inspiring performance at
the opening of the new bingo hall, twelve-year-old Finbar (Barry)
Squires wants desperately to join the troupe. Led by Father O'Flaherty,
the Full Tilt Irish Step Dancers are the most sought-after act in St.
John's, Newfoundland (closely followed by popular bagpiper, Alfie Bragg
and his Agony Bag). Having watched Riverdance twice, Barry figures
he'll nail the audition. And good thing too -- it'd be nice to be known
for something other than the port wine stain on his cheek. With
questionable talent and an unpredictable temper, Barry's journey to
stardom is jeopardized by his parents' refusal to take his dreams
seriously. Thankfully, Barry has the support of a lively cast of
characters: his ever-present grandmother, Nanny Squires; his adorable
baby brother, Gord; an old British rocker named Uneven Steven; a group
of geriatrics from the One Step Closer to God Nursing Home; and Saibal,
a friend with whom Barry gets up to no good.
Told with humor and a healthy dose of irreverence, Barry Squires, Full
Tilt is the latest novel by Heather Smith, the award-winning author of
The Agony of Bun O'Keefe and Chicken Girl.
