In this downstream journey, Paul Quarrington braves lake, river and ocean waters in a never-ending quest for his elusive quarry. Along the way the author also finds himself deep in ruminations about fish, family, friendship and life in general—not necessarily in that order. Resembling the pools of a stream, each of the short pieces in From the Far Side of the River has its own character and inhabitants, both human and piscatorial. Whether fishing thoughtfully for pickerel in northern Ontario or aggressively tracking bonefish in the balmy Bahamas, the author’s casts are as likely to call up thoughts of his marriage, his dead father or one of the existential questions of midlife as they are to yield a fish, big or small. But whatever the nature of his trials and triumphs, Quarrington presents them with his characteristic wit and wry humour. Whether you are a dedicated fisher or an armchair angler, you’ll find him an irresistible companion.