A review by northernatlas
Arguments with the Lake by Tanis Rideout

4.0

Growing up on the shoreline of Lake Ontario, these poems do more than illustrate an imagined relationship between two teenage competitive swimmers. These poems are imagined lifelines, of rivers and waves and tides which pull these two real people into mythical stories. Stories universal to girls, to women of the 1950s, to those who drive across the Credit River and admire at the vastness below their tires. Some imagery in these poems are cliched, while others are totally inspired. The inspiration drawn to elaborate one topic -- swimmers competing in Lake Ontario -- is vast and attainable. While the real women who inspired this book of poems are new to me, many of the references made within it (Marilyn Monroe, Grey Gardens) are not. This melding of old standbys with new-to-me Canadian history creates a soft landing. Rideout's language is simple, and alarmingly fluid. I can't be sure if it's through sheer repetition or subtle, coaxing prose that she is able to guide me from the comfort of a couch and fireside, into the frigid depths of a lake I don't dare dip my toes in. Either way, Rideout has a gift. Much like the ceaseless waves of a shoreline, repetitively lapping at the sand, Rideout has written a cohesive book of poems that will drag you under, surround you, and spit you back out again. I recommend this book to anyone who has #CanLit on the brain, knows of the main characters -- Marilyn Bell and Shirley Campbell -- or simply wants to pick up some worthy poetry.