Book – Baggage by Wes Funk

 I took great delight in picking this up this Canadian book when I was in Vancouver last. I’m heartbroken to note the fantastic book shop around the corner from our hotel is closing down. I’ve spent many an hour here each time I stay at Century Van Plaza but it is some comfort to learn that the owner is simply retiring and there isn’t a buyer for it. We’ll see what turns up there when I return this beautiful city in November 2013. (My guess is an expensive home furnishing shop or a café. My hope is another book shop (with a café).I feel compelled to buy something and this little paperback is one of a handful that takes me perilously close to the baggage limit; I couldn’t help myself, everything was reduced.On reflection, as it’s such a light book, I should have kept it for holiday travel reading but I’m glad I’ve already enjoyed it. Reflecting the author’s rural upbringing – they say write about what you know – it’s about the only son in a large family making his way to the (small) city and finding work in a long-established, busy café. He works for a tyrant but befriends the long-suffering chef, much older than himself and seeming nothing in common until they realise their mutual respect for music.They become good friends but there is hint of a deeper relationship to come and eventually they do become lovers. The chef is a divorced father of one and his young kitchen hand is discovering his sexuality and a tender union forms. However, this is a minute part of the story as other characters such as the ex-wife, daughter and café staff are introduced along with the family back on the farm.A touching, easy to read book with plenty of characters to rotate the plot.8/10Influential factor 9/10