The book is divided into five parts, named for where they take place. The first part (The Mountain) and the last two (Loulou's and The Ghetto) are the strongest. The cast of characters is broader and more lively in these sections. In the final section, Toni's mother is given more depth and Toni herself sheds her awkwardness as she comes of age. It ends on a satisfying, hopeful note.
Scenes in the lesbian bar, Loulou's, are reminiscent of Marie-Claire Blais' classic Nights in the Underground, which is set in about the same era. For more stories of lesbians in Montreal, read Bottle Rocket Hearts by Zoe Whittall and the story 'Are You Committed?' in This One's Going to Last Forever by Nairne Holtz.
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