Paul Quarrington explores ambition, commitment and human frailty in this ironic tale of an aging hockey star. King Leary (Anchor Canada) tickled the Canada Reads panel and the public last year with a story of an ordinary guy who had more than ordinary talent. Most of that talent was on the ice but some of it was for self-delusion.
The reading is narrated by Vancouver actor Michael Hogan (Battlestar Galactica). He animates the life and times of hockey legend Percival Leary, who looks back on his glory days and misadventures dating back to the early 1900s.
In these instalments, Leary is struck with memories both sublime and disturbing: the moment he was crowned King of the Ice and the less than vigilant way he and Clay dealt with their friend Manny’s drinking problem.
Episode 13: How Leary picked up his Indian nickname.
Episode 14: Leary is celebrated at a special night in Maple Leaf Gardens.
Episode 15: Their friendship changes when Clay becomes manager of the hockey team.
Each episode of Between the Covers is between 15 and 17 minutes. The current instalments are below. If you missed previous podcasts you can download them at Between the Covers podcasts. And if you’re interested in readings of other Canadian books, check out the Hear A Reading page on the Between the Covers site.
(Photo credit: bitpicture from Flickr)
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