the fearsome particles

“Hilariously funny and profoundly serious”
— The Montreal Gazette

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Short-listed for The 2006 Governor General's Literary Award

Long-listed for:
The IMPAC Dublin Literary Award

Adapted for Radio
Optioned for Film
A novel that captures a family at its crucial turning point, as a father faces the limits of what he can do to protect the people he loves.

“Trevor Cole has masterminded a densely-layered tale that sensitively peels away the complex facades of the individual members of a small, excruciatingly contemporary family, to reveal their (and our) most intimate fears and vulnerable desires"
— The Governor General's Award jury statement

Praise for The Fearsome Particles:



"Reminiscent of Carol Shields"
"At his best, Cole's writing is reminiscent of that of Carol Shields: he can be hilariously funny and profoundly serious at the same time."
— Montreal Gazette

"Smart and perceptive"
"Cole is an experienced, award-winning journalist as well as one of the best young novelists in this country, and he's done his homework."
— The Globe and Mail

"most entertaining ..."
The Fearsome Particles is one of the most entertaining novels I've read this year.... Its power comes from its narrowing of focus, and from Cole's significant strengths as a writer.
— The National Post

"A major talent"
... subtle black humour, a sprinkling of pathos and large doses of human failing.... With writing like this, Trevor Cole is quickly gaining a reputation as a major talent, deservedly so.
— Edmonton Journal