If you type in Google “Timothy Findley” the number of results exceeds 122,000, but for the his last novel
Spadework it is only slightly over 8700. This clearly indicates that it is not considered as his major work.
Moreover this novel is unique for its style. “Most of his work is set in the past, whether the Biblical prehistory of Not Wanted on the Voyage, the fifteenth century of Elizabeth Rex, the First World War of The Wars and The Piano Man's Daughter” ("Timothy Findley"). Spadework takes place in contemporary Stratford. “His novels often employ famous literary and historical figures as characters: the biblical Noah and his family, Ezra Pound” ("Timothy Findley") and others. Here the main characters' Jane and Griffin Kincard are totally fictional. Their life could be inspired by personal experience, since Timothy Findley was an actor, but for sure it was far from famous figures.
Is this insignificant novel prove that Timothy Findley is a great Canadian writer? Book that after first reading, critics regarded as ”good—not great, good”(Miller). Yes, because, when examined with particular care about details, shows his mastery in writing not only about great historical figures, but also about ordinary life. Reflecting every day drama, struggle in a beautifully captured spirit of Stratford. The work which was born out of necessity “a day before [he] was supposed to deliver [his] publisher the note about the next novel”(Kirman 1). The sudden event, “a gardener cutting the telephone line, and the arrival of the most beautiful human being I have ever seen - made more so by the fact that he (the Bell repairman) had no awareness of his beauty”(Kirman 1)—inspired Spadework.
The story about instability of happiness and the half-life of relationship. Main character Jane Kincard has everything “ a handsome husband whose acting career is on the rise; a generous bank account from her American family; a great job, a bright seven-year old son.”("Reader's Guide--Spadework")It takes her 20 days to get to the point where she begs his husband to tell, where is he spending all his days and nights, fall in love in Bell man, lose the good relation with his soon. Everything written with “delicious insights into why his characters behave as they do. He keeps the story crisp and clean -- he knows when to tug at each thread to keep the tension just right, looping one storyline into the next and weaving a poignant subtext of loves lost and found.” (Miller)
The great contribution to the plot is the setting. As the author says Stratford is “the city of high intensity of any work in the theatre - for actors, directors, designers, property makers, etc. From February to November, the theatre aspect of life in this town is a virtual frenzy of activity. I also wanted to show the animosity and distrust felt by some of the town's non-theatrical residents toward the Festival and all who work in it.” (Kirman 2). He takes us on the unforgettable trip through various restaurants describing their characteristics, shops, parks and the most important theater. Throughout the book, the reader discovers the secrets of the work In theater. Hard work of the hundreds of employees engaged in each play. The author conveys that knowledge in such a way that the magic of theater performances is not destroyed.
To discover all that, you should “treat Spadework like a rare vintage wine. Findley’s words are meant to be taken in slowly and allowed to envelop the heart with their warmth. Indulge, read and enjoy.” (Miller). Then you will discover that “Findley, a terrific storyteller, is at his best …” ("Reader's Guide -- Spadework")
