The Push & the Pull

A bicycle journey leads Andrew Day to confront his father's decline and the mystery of Betty's disappearance in The Push & the Pull.

In The Push & the Pull, Andrew Day sets off on a transformative bicycle journey from Halifax to Kingston, where his childhood memories reside. This trip is not just a physical endeavor; it serves as a backdrop for the unfolding dual narratives of Andrew's life. As he pedals forward, he grapples with the slow, painful decline of his father, which looms heavily over him. Simultaneously, the mystery of Betty's disappearance casts a shadow, leaving Andrew to ponder whether she is lost to him forever. Throughout his journey, he also reflects on the complexities of desire and its implications in his life.

As Andrew traverses the landscape, he sheds not only his physical belongings but also the emotional burdens that weigh him down. The journey takes a darker turn as he encounters episodes of escalating violence, prompting him to veer off the main roads and navigate the back paths under the veil of night. Each mile traveled brings him closer to a profound realization. By the time he reaches his destination, he is met with an epiphany that has the potential to change his perspective on life.

Darryl Whetter's writing in The Push & the Pull is marked by a compelling intensity that intertwines themes of athleticism and degeneration, isolation and community. He deftly explores the weight of desire, capturing both the joy and anguish that accompany human experiences.