Unexpected Crime Alters Family's Fate

Dell Parsons recounts the pivotal moment when his parents, Bev and Neeva Parsons, commit a bank robbery, setting off a chain of events that forever alters his and his sister Berner's lives. The robbery, unexpected and out of character for his seemingly ordinary parents, becomes the catalyst for their family's unraveling. Dell reflects on how this single act of desperation and poor judgment leads to their eventual downfall, leaving him and Berner to navigate the aftermath alone.

Great Falls: A Temporary Home

The Parsons family settles in Great Falls, Montana, after years of moving from one Air Force base to another. Dell and Berner, twins, try to find a sense of belonging in a town that feels both familiar and foreign. Their mother, Neeva, struggles with her own sense of displacement and dissatisfaction, while their father, Bev, attempts to transition from military life to civilian work. The family's temporary stability is shattered by the looming consequences of their parents' actions.

Parental Secrets and Sibling Bonds

Dell and Berner become increasingly aware of the secrets their parents keep, particularly their father's involvement in illegal activities. As their parents' relationship deteriorates, the siblings rely on each other for support and understanding. Dell, introspective and observant, tries to make sense of the chaos around him, while Berner, more rebellious, contemplates escape. Their bond is tested as they face the reality of their parents' choices and the impact on their own futures.

A Desperate Plan Unfolds

Bev Parsons, driven by financial desperation and pressure from criminal associates, devises a plan to rob a bank. Despite Neeva's initial resistance, she becomes complicit in the scheme, hoping it will provide a way out of their troubled lives. The plan, fraught with risk and uncertainty, ultimately fails, leading to their arrest. Dell and Berner are left to grapple with the fallout, their lives irrevocably changed by their parents' actions.

The Robbery and Its Consequences

The robbery, executed with a mix of naivety and desperation, quickly unravels. Bev and Neeva are arrested, leaving Dell and Berner to fend for themselves. The siblings face the harsh reality of their parents' criminality and the stigma it brings. As authorities close in, Dell and Berner must decide how to move forward, each grappling with feelings of betrayal, loss, and the need for survival.

Children Left to Navigate Alone

With their parents in jail, Dell and Berner are left to navigate a world that suddenly feels hostile and unfamiliar. They struggle to maintain a semblance of normalcy while dealing with the emotional and practical challenges of their new reality. As they confront the possibility of being separated by the state, Dell and Berner must rely on their resilience and resourcefulness to find a path forward.

Crossing Borders to Uncertain Future

Dell is taken by a family friend, Mildred Remlinger, across the Canadian border to live with her brother, Arthur. This journey marks the beginning of a new chapter in Dell's life, one filled with uncertainty and the hope of starting anew. As he leaves behind the remnants of his old life, Dell reflects on the lessons learned and the resilience required to face an unknown future.

Crossing Paths with Mysterious Arthur

Dell Parsons, now in Canada, is taken by Mildred to live with her brother, Arthur Remlinger. Arthur is a cultivated and intelligent man, but also mysterious and distant. Dell is both intrigued and wary of Arthur, sensing that there is more to him than meets the eye. As Dell settles into his new life, he begins to learn from Arthur, who becomes a complex figure in his life, offering both guidance and an unsettling presence.

A Journey into Canadian Isolation

Dell is driven by Mildred to Fort Royal, Saskatchewan, a place that feels foreign and isolating. As he adjusts to his new surroundings, Dell reflects on the stark landscape and the sense of being far from everything familiar. The vastness of the prairie mirrors his own feelings of displacement and uncertainty about the future. Despite the isolation, Dell is determined to make the best of his situation and find a sense of belonging.

Unsettling Encounters and Hidden Truths

Dell's life takes a turn when he learns from Charley Quarters, Arthur's employee, about Arthur's past involvement in a bombing in Detroit. This revelation casts a shadow over Dell's perception of Arthur, who is now being sought by two Americans, Jepps and Crosley, investigating the crime. Dell is caught in a web of secrets and lies, unsure of whom to trust and what to believe.

A Deadly Confrontation Unfolds

The tension reaches a climax when Arthur, aware of the Americans' intentions, decides to confront them. Dell is reluctantly brought along, witnessing a chilling scene as Arthur shoots Jepps and Crosley in cold blood. The violence shatters Dell's already fragile sense of security, leaving him to grapple with the reality of the man he thought he knew and the role he has unwittingly played in these events.

Reflections on a Fractured Past

As Dell grows older, he reflects on the impact of his parents' crime and Arthur's actions on his life. He grapples with themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a world marked by betrayal and loss. Dell's journey is one of coming to terms with a fractured past and finding a way to reconcile the person he was with the person he has become.

Characters

Dell Parsons

Dell is a thoughtful and introspective teenager who finds himself thrust into a world of chaos following his parents' arrest. He struggles to make sense of the events that have upended his life, relying on his intelligence and resilience to navigate the challenges ahead. Dell's journey is one of self-discovery and adaptation as he learns to cope with the loss of his family and the uncertainty of his future.

Berner Parsons

Berner, Dell's twin sister, is more rebellious and outspoken than her brother. She grapples with feelings of anger and betrayal following their parents' arrest, ultimately deciding to run away in search of her own path. Berner's independence and determination highlight her desire to escape the constraints of her family's troubled past and forge a new life on her own terms.

Bev Parsons

Bev is a charismatic and optimistic man whose poor decisions lead to his family's downfall. A former Air Force officer, he struggles to adjust to civilian life and becomes entangled in illegal activities. Bev's charm and optimism mask a deeper sense of inadequacy and desperation, ultimately driving him to commit the robbery that changes everything.

Neeva Parsons

Neeva is a bright and educated woman who feels trapped in a life that doesn't fulfill her aspirations. Her marriage to Bev, marked by cultural and personal differences, leaves her feeling isolated and disillusioned. Despite her initial resistance, Neeva becomes complicit in the robbery, hoping it will provide a way out of their troubled lives. Her actions reflect a complex mix of desperation and a desire for change.

Mildred Remlinger

Mildred is a practical and no-nonsense woman who steps in to help Dell after his parents' arrest. She takes him across the Canadian border to live with her brother, offering him a chance at a new life. Mildred's actions demonstrate her loyalty to Neeva and her willingness to provide support and guidance to Dell during a difficult time.

Arthur Remlinger

Arthur is a complex figure in Dell's life, offering both guidance and a sense of unease. His past involvement in a bombing and his subsequent life in hiding reveal a man haunted by his actions and desperate to maintain his freedom. Arthur's charm and intelligence mask a darker side, ultimately leading to a violent confrontation that changes Dell's life forever.

Charley Quarters

Charley is Arthur's employee, tasked with managing the goose hunting operations. He is a pragmatic and unsavory character, providing Dell with insights into Arthur's past and the dangers that lie ahead. Charley's own troubled history and disdain for Arthur add layers to his relationship with Dell, serving as both a warning and a reluctant ally.

Jepps and Crosley

The two Americans arrive in Fort Royal to investigate Arthur's past, driven by a sense of justice and personal vendetta. Their presence sets off a chain of events that culminates in their deaths, highlighting the dangers of underestimating Arthur and the complexities of seeking retribution. Their fate serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of digging too deep into hidden truths.

Plot Devices

Dual Narratives

The story is structured around Dell's reflections on past events and their impact on his present life. This dual narrative approach allows readers to understand the complexity of Dell's experiences and the lasting effects of his family's actions. The interplay between past and present highlights themes of memory, identity, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of trauma.

Symbolism of Borders

The physical and metaphorical crossing of borders plays a significant role in the narrative. The journey from the United States to Canada symbolizes Dell's transition from one phase of life to another, marked by uncertainty and the hope of starting anew. Borders represent both barriers and opportunities, reflecting the characters' struggles with identity, belonging, and the desire for change.

Themes of Isolation and Belonging

The novel explores themes of isolation and the search for belonging, as Dell and Berner navigate the challenges of their fractured family. Their parents' actions leave them feeling disconnected from the world around them, prompting a search for identity and a place to call home. The story delves into the complexities of family dynamics, cultural differences, and the impact of societal expectations on individual lives.

Secrets and Revelations

The narrative is driven by the uncovering of secrets, from Arthur's involvement in a bombing to the true nature of his relationship with Dell. These revelations force Dell to confront the reality of those around him and the impact of their actions on his life. The tension between what is known and what is hidden creates a sense of suspense and inevitability, propelling the story forward.

Moral Ambiguity

Dell's journey is marked by moral ambiguity, as he grapples with the consequences of his parents' crime and Arthur's actions. The line between right and wrong becomes blurred, challenging Dell to navigate a world where loyalty and survival often come at the cost of integrity. This theme underscores the complexity of human nature and the difficult choices that define Dell's path.

Analysis

"Canada" by Richard Ford is a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the impact of familial betrayal. Through Dell's journey, the novel delves into the complexities of human nature and the struggle to find meaning in a world marked by loss and uncertainty. The story highlights the enduring effects of trauma and the resilience required to navigate a fractured past. Ford's narrative invites readers to reflect on the nature of belonging, the consequences of choices, and the possibility of redemption amidst chaos. Ultimately, "Canada" is a poignant meditation on the search for identity and the enduring quest for a place to call home.

Last updated: April 9, 2025