The Observer reads as chatty and candid — as though the main character, Julia, is conversationally recalling the highlights of a past experience — and that is fitting as this is a novel based on Marina Endicott’s own early years as the spouse of an RCMP member in 1990s rural Alberta. As Julia puts her career as a playwright on hold in order to join her partner, Hardy, on his first posting, she’ll find herself not only distanced from the long-term residents of this tight-knit community but also increasingly distanced from Hardy as he struggles to deal with his policing duties (from domestic disputes to countless fatal car accidents) on the understaffed force. Salvation comes for Julia in the form of an intermittent job with the local newspaper, The Observer, and as she gets out into the community, she makes friends with both locals and other RCMP spouses, growing to understand what pressures the stoic Hardy is truly suffering with. Set in a time before a Mountie would have felt comfortable asking for mental health supports, this novel admirably exposes the stress and sacrifices historically expected of RCMP members, and their families. The chatty style makes this seem like a breezy read but Endicott uses it to creeping and devastating effect; this is true and tragic life exposed and I loved the whole thing.