Home Game

A former baseball player named Nathaniel Isbister drifts into a small town controlled by a religious cult called the House of Jonah. The town's only other inhabitants are a group of circus performers who become entangled in a high-stakes conflict with the cult. The fate of both groups hinges on a decisive baseball game, with the losing side forced to abandon the town. Isbister finds himself recruited to lead the circus performers in this crucial match against the cult members. The novel combines elements of sports fiction, small-town dynamics, and the clash between outsiders and established order. It explores themes of redemption, belonging, and the unexpected ways people form communities in the face of adversity.

Most readers find Home Game to be humorous but not particularly memorable. The book's theme of redemption through minor league baseball resonates with sports fans. Readers appreciate: - The quirky baseball-related details - Moments of genuine emotion between characters - The Canadian small-town setting - Natural, realistic dialogue Common criticisms: - Plot feels formulaic and predictable - Side characters lack development - Pacing issues in middle sections - Resolution seems rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.3/5 (87 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Several readers note the book works better as a casual read than serious literature. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "Fun for baseball fans but don't expect profound insights." Multiple Goodreads reviews mention enjoying the humor but finding the story forgettable a few months later. The book sees higher ratings from sports fiction fans compared to general fiction readers.

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🎭 Paul Quarrington was also an accomplished musician who played in the band Porkbelly Futures and wrote scores for television shows. ⚾️ The book draws inspiration from real historical events where baseball games were used to settle community disputes in small American towns during the early 1900s. 🎪 The circus elements in the novel reflect Quarrington's fascination with carnival culture, which he explored in several of his works, including "The Life of Hope." 🏆 Home Game won the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour in 1984, one of Canada's most prestigious literary awards. 🎬 The novel was adapted into a made-for-TV movie in 1987, starring Wendel Clark and Richard Monette, though it significantly altered several plot elements from the original story.