The latest novel by Christian Guay-Poliquin, one of today’s major Canadian novelists, tells a story in which living becomes a feat in an increasingly threatening world. For each kilometer traveled, tension mounts, leading up to an unexpected ending. His minimalism is intoxicating. Therein lies his talent.

A man walks in the forest towards a hunting cabin where his family sought refuge after a massive power outage. He walks into the mountains, following along the streams. He faces not only the hazards of the wilderness but also of other people like himself, who have chosen to disappear into the woods. A young boy calls out to him. He is about 10, with messy hair and eyes as black as coal. He has no idea how the boy got there but finds his presence comforting. When they get to the cabin, they join a community that barters meat, shares chores and an old generator. Les Ombres filantes by Christian Guay-Poliquin is a stunning political fable about the need to think about the future of our youth.