Plot summary

POOR BOYS'GAME explores the culture of tribalism in Halifax, played out in the story of Donnie Rose and George Carvery, whose son, Charles, Donnie beat into a severe retardation when both boys were 17. Finally released after a troubled stay in prison, Donnie encounters two communities divided by race -- exemplified by Charles' childhood friend, local-hero boxer Ossie Paris and Donnie's volatile brother Keith -- both unwilling to bury the past he helped create and move on.—C