This book explores a few themes and motifs surrounding suppressed female rage and trauma, patriarchy, and gender/gender roles. Some parts fell apart / fell short for me but overall it was an okay book that I enjoyed reading. Thank you to Michelle Winters, NetGalley and House of Anansi Press Inc. for the ARC!

HAir for Men was an excellent read. I loved the character study and the writing felt propulsive. I would read more from this author again.

Hair For Men by Michelle Winters. Forthcoming from House of Anansi on August 20th, 2024.
“Spurred by adolescent trauma, Louise adopts a life of hardcore punk violence until she stumbles into a job at a mysterious men’s hair salon.”
I read Winter’s first book, I am a Truck back in 2016. I remember loving the sharp prose and characters. Like the first novel, Hair For Men runs only 216 pages. Like the first novel, Winter’s use of the short(er)/ compact novel lends itself perfectly to the story and character of Louise (Lou). Female rage and aggression. Fast, sharp, gripping.
Winter uses the music of The Tragically Hip, and its last concert, (before lead singer Gord Downey passed away from cancer) as a backdrop to the emotional relationship between music and the characters. Like Lou and Commodore (marina owner). Winter takes you on an emotional ride, wondering what Lou will do next. A novel about identity, trauma, and forgiveness. Winters has written a fine sophomore novel.
4 STARS