Book Review: Rare Birds

Really, I didn't read this book because I'm a birdwatcher. It's a novel, written by Edward Riche. The theme doesn't actually have much to do with rare birds, rather, birds are just an ingredient in this comical story. The novel follows a few months in the life of Dave Purcell, a restaurateur and chef living in rural Newfoundland. His restaurant, the Auk, has come across tough times (as one might expect a fancy restaurant in rural Newfoundland would). Dave's neurotic friend, Phonse, comes up with a plan to bring a little business back to The Auk, and it's all downhill from there.

I had read a bit of Canadian east coast fiction before this book, and liked what I read. Rare Birds didn't disappoint. It's an easy read, and I can't recall being bored at any point during the book. I love books that really give you a feel for the environment in which they are set (the people, the landscape, etc.), and this book does it well. Although Riche may have gone a little overboard with some of the personalities, and stories, in the book, I find this sort of thing pretty funny (Amanda didn't, but she doesn't appreciate this sort of fiction). Rare birds was mostly funny, rarely serious, and quite enjoyable.

The book has now been cast as a film by Lions Gate, and the movie is quite good. The movie follows the book well, including many lines from the book word-for-word. If you don't want to read the book, the movie is a good alternative. [Warning: Amanda didn't appreciate the movie nearly as much as I did.]

I can't quite recall now, but I believe the movie and book may have different endings. I actually didn't like the ending to the book much, but I recall being ok with the ending of the movie. Perhaps I'll have to watch again to find out.

I found the book for a couple of dollars on a clearance table at Coles in Welland,ON. I found the movie in my local library.

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This is my first blog book review. Look for more soon!