Billy's Place

Billy's place is a coming of age fiction novel that revolves around the lives of fiends who recount their experiences with a boy named Billy prior to the opening of a youth centre named in his memory. The story begins in 2010 where the five friends share their individual stories that connect them to Billy, an orphaned boy who significantly impacted their lives after the war and through the 50's. Egil narrates his experience when Billy is blamed for a barn fire that was really caused by Bill's's friend. Kathleen describes how she befriended Billy at a home for orphaned children Called Assiniboine House and despite some initial bullying from BJ, how they form a bond after Billy shows kindness to a homeless veteran. The narratives culminate with Amanda's account of billy as he faces terminal illness due to injuries suffered when he fell into the icy red river as a young child. Amanda highlights his indomitable resilience and lasting legacy that he left behind which inspired the creation of the youth centre. It is dedicated to the author's grandchildren in the hopes they may have a better understanding of what growing up in Winnipeg during the 1950's compared to their own experiences.