Unlike anything else W. O. Mitchel, beloved author of Who Has Seen The Wind? wrote, this fanciful tale should appeal to any lovers of Canada’s most popular winter sport that has become my winter religion, whether as this book or the later stage play.
Willie, or Wullie, a caricature of the stubborn Scottish Presbyterian, widowed and mourning, in the mold of Angus McClintock, in Terry Phallis’s The Best Laid Plans, lives in Shelby Alberta, at the time of Methodist-Presbyterian-Congregationalist church union in 1925. He skips a rink dreaming of winning the Briar national championship, along with his three Charlie Browns, all designated by their occupations.
Satan, as Cloutie, arrives in Willie’s harness and shoe repair shop to get his curling shoes repaired. After some negotiations and banter Willie agrees to Cloutie’s challenge to play against his rink from hell, composed of MacBeth, Judas Iscariot, and Guy Fawkes. The stakes are high, and Willie’s soul will be sold to the devil if his rink loses, but he will win the Briar if his rink wins.
With quotes from Shakespeare and Robbie Burns woven into the story there are fanciful but interesting twists. The four members of the team are from four different religious denominations, all cleverly caricatured and skewered. Not included in this tale, but appropriate to the story, I once heard a clever saying about the difference between dour Presbyterians and the United Church of Canada. “I’d rather be Presbyterian and know that I am going to hell, than United and not know where the hell I’m going.”
A very clever, light, three hour read, or a two hour stage play.
The Passionate Reader 