"Raine handles a long list of characters with dexterity, offering credible emotional histories." -- Kirkus Reviews
How many times have you walked down the street and had a serendipitous moment and thought it luck to have found something, caught the glimpse of a familiar face, or were in a conversation with a complete stranger only to get the feeling that you know the person they are talking about? Turnstiles by Andrea McKenzie Raine takes you through the lives of Willis, a self-imposed vagrant, a criminal defense lawyer with daddy issues, Martin, and a prostitute named Evelyn; the woman who seemingly ties everybody’s story together.
The premise of this story seems so simple at first glance and yet it is obvious that through her writing, Raine’s takes on the persona of each individual, feeling their pain, their suffering and through telling their personal stories by how flawlessly the story transitions between the characters and their locations. Readers will find themselves in an emotional quandary, as we are often quick to judge others without first knowing their story, and how our lives are truly synchronous.
Turnstiles is a masterfully written book that provides poetic justice to the many facets of society so many of us turn our backs to and Andrea McKenzie Raine deserves grandeur praises as a very gifted and talented writer.
The lives of a homeless man, a lawyer and a prostitute are woven together to provide an honest portrayal of human beings attempting to redefine themselves against the friction of idealism’s clash with societal expectations.
Turnstiles is the first novel by West Saanich’s Andrea McKenzie Raine. She published her first book of poetry, titled A Mother’s String, through Ekstasis Editions in 2005. The UVic grad has attended the successful Planet Earth Poetry reading series (formerly known as Mocambopo) in Victoria since 1997, and participated in the Glenairley writing retreats led by Canadian poet and novelist Patrick Lane in Sooke.
Turnstiles tells the story of Martin Sourdough, a homeless person who has chosen to turn his back on the corporate, material world. He is joined by Willis Hancocks Jr. – a barrister, alcoholic philanderer and a misogynist – and Evelyn (aka Yvonne) who works as a prostitute.
Turnstiles speaks to society’s problems through the smaller scope of each character’s individual trials.
“There is a struggle that exists between the need to serve one’s own needs and the expectation to participate in the larger social scheme,” said Raine.
She said Martin and Willis are both trying to fit into the world, but on their own terms.
“They are naïve, searching for an Eden-like state of being. Through a broader experience of personal fortune, misfortune, travel, and social interactions, they each learn to accept their path and take control of their own destinies.”
An empathetic and honest portrayal of human beings attempting to redefine themselves against the friction of idealism’s clash with societal expectations, Turnstiles is perfect for readers seeking a stirring, dramatic depiction of love, loss, impulse and consequence.
Turnstiles is published by Inkwater Press and is available through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Powells.com and Inkwaterbooks.com.
