#Canada #Calgary #Marianne Middelveen #Leashes Love Lies

Exploring Dog-Driven Drama in a Calgary Neighborhood Amidst a Pandemic

In her compelling new novel, 'Leashes, Love, and Lies,' Marianne Middelveen shines a light on the intricate dynamics of a seemingly peaceful neighborhood in Calgary during the COVID-19 lockdown. As the pandemic continues to cast a long shadow, the residents of Woodview Terraces find themselves grappling with new realities. Amidst lockdowns and uncertainty, they attempt to navigate the complex web of relationships, secrets, and shared interests, particularly as it pertains to their beloved canine companions.

Set in June 2021, this narrative unfolds within two distinct factions of the neighborhood—one affluent and the other less fortunate. With their routines disrupted, the residents turn to working from home, gardening, and raising their dogs. Yet, as they bond over their mutual love for pets, underlying conflicts simmer just below the surface. This abnormal yet intimate proximity between neighbors gives rise to resentment and a spiral of personal betrayals, resulting in drama that escalates tragically.

Throughout the book, Middelveen intricately weaves tales of infidelity, class prejudices, and escalating disputes, each thread influenced by the four-legged friends that many residents now regard as lifelines. As neighborhood gossip intertwines with the daily chaos of life, the explosive tensions lead to unforeseen consequences that forever alter the fabric of their community.

Middelveen’s Motivation
Middelveen, who comes from a background in microbiology, underscores humanity's vulnerabilities and the intricate ties that bind us, particularly in stressful times like a pandemic. She notes, “The pandemic forced us into isolation, making our pets our primary confidantes. I wanted to explore how that intense, shared existence magnified our human flaws—our infidelity, our prejudices, our loneliness—against the backdrop of our pets’ pure, unconditional love.”

In doing so, she sheds light on how the shared stress experienced during the pandemic can lead to the unraveling of marriages, friendships, and community bonds. The narrative illustrates that while the emotional ties with pets can provide much-needed comfort, they cannot fully mask the flaws inherent in human relationships.

An Unfortunate Series of Events
Central to her story is a series of unfortunate events involving a hunting dog, a pit bull mix, and an adored house cat. Each character’s fate becomes intertwined, culminating in an act of violence that forever changes what was once a close-knit social circle. This profound portrayal serves not only as a thrilling narrative but also as poignant commentary on pandemic life.

About the Author
Marianne Middelveen, beyond her literary pursuits, has authored materials surrounding public health issues, with a significant focus on Lyme disease and Morgellons disease. Her research has taken her to notable platforms, including documentaries that discuss these critical health concerns. She brings this analytical mindset into her fiction writing, where she aims to unravel patterns of human behavior in extraordinary circumstances.

Middelveen is also known for her debut novel, 'Parachutes,' that delves deep into the issues faced by indigenous populations in the Amazon. As she traverses these weighty themes, her stories resonate with readers drawn to both fiction and critical social commentary.

With 'Leashes, Love, and Lies,' readers can expect not only an engaging narrative but an opportunity to reflect on the bonds we share with our pets, especially in the tumultuous times brought on by a global crisis. This novel invites us to examine not just the romantic entanglements and social divides but also the vital connections that can ground us through life’s chaos.

Availability
The novel is available in various formats through different retailers, including Archway Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. To discover more about the author and her work, readers can visit her page at Archway Publishing.