Sputnik Diner by Rick Maddocks

Discover the unforgettable characters and small-town atmosphere of Sputnik Diner by Rick Maddocks, a moving work of Canadian literary fiction set in Nanticoke, Ontario, along the shores of Lake Erie.

At the heart of this tobacco-growing community sits the Sputnik Diner, a smoky roadside restaurant where colourful locals gather, secrets unfold, and everyday lives intersect.

Meet Grace, a waitress and struggling artist searching for her birth parents; Buzz, the observant cook; and Marcel, the gruff French-Canadian owner whose unusual expressions provide plenty of humour.

Through interconnected stories, Maddocks introduces families facing illness, immigrants searching for belonging, and individuals struggling with broken relationships, lost dreams, and unexpected discoveries.

Blending dark humour, emotional honesty, and vivid descriptions of rural Ontario, Sputnik Diner captures the beauty and hardships of ordinary lives.

Perfect for readers who enjoy Canadian literature, character-driven fiction, small-town stories, and heartfelt narratives about family, identity, resilience, and the search for connection.

Hardcover, Very Good