I first read “Ruin Creek” a number of years back after discovering David Payne, via his earlier novel “Gravesend Light”, and becoming a huge fan. I returned to it recently for a second read and was just as enthralled the second time around.

The novel alternates between the first person narratives of its three main characters. Jimmy Madden is the quintessential golden boy – charming and handsome high school, star athlete from whom everyone, himself included, expects big things. May Tilley is the beautiful daughter of wealthy parents, who expect her to marry well, who drops her boyfriend to be with Jimmy. Joey is their eleven year old son – conceived by accident before they were married and forcing their hand.

“Ruin Creek” explores how one impetuous act can irrevocably alter the path of one’s life. But Payne knows that it is rarely the act in isolation, but rather the behaviours and attitudes that precede and succeed it, that propel a life onto a different track. The price of living up to one’s imperfections and owning one’s choices is high indeed.

“Ruin Creek” showcases Payne’s trademark lyrical prose and psychological insights that have caused some critics to describe him as “the most gifted novelist of his generation”. I wholeheartedly agree with that assessment.

Loved the book read it twice. I think it would be a great movie.

Not my cup of tea. Struggled a lot to get through it. Skipped through a lot of the page long descriptions of nature sights/fishing. Liked the nostalgia and the subject matter, and found that it was beautifully written. Just not for me.