A new novel titled “Leashes, Love, and Lies” by author Marianne Middelveen explores the complexities of human relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic, set against the backdrop of a quiet neighborhood in Calgary. The narrative unfolds in June 2021, as residents of Woodview Terraces navigate the challenges of lockdowns and social isolation. The story intricately weaves together themes of infidelity, class prejudice, and escalating disputes, all while being observed through the eyes of their dogs.
As the pandemic continues to impact daily life, the residents of Woodview Terraces find themselves divided into two distinct groups: the affluent and the less fortunate. With more time at home, they redirect their focus from commuting and socializing to activities such as gardening and adopting pets. This shared passion for dogs initially fosters a sense of community, but it soon reveals underlying tensions that lead to unexpected conflicts.
With the gradual decline of COVID-19 cases and a resurgence in the economy, neighborhood gossip escalates, culminating in a tragic event that alters the fabric of the community. Middelveen uses the pandemic’s pressure as a catalyst for a domestic crisis, depicting a world where secret affairs, veterinary emergencies, and a series of unfortunate incidents involving a hunting dog, a pit bull mix, and a beloved house cat lead to an act of violence that tears the neighborhood apart.
In her exploration of the pandemic’s effects, Middelveen highlights how shared stress can fracture marriages and intensify community strife. She emphasizes the emotional support that companion animals provide during such challenging times. “The pandemic forced us into isolation, making our pets our primary confidantes,” she explained. “I wanted to explore how that intense, shared existence magnified our human flaws—our infidelity, our prejudices, our loneliness—against the backdrop of our pets’ pure, unconditional love.”
Middelveen, who holds a background in microbiology, is known for her scientific research on Lyme disease and Morgellons disease. Her work has appeared in various documentaries, including “Skin Deep: The Battle over Morgellons” and “Under Our Skin 2: Emergence”. She observes that, “even when human society fails, the fidelity we share with our companion animals remains a constant, grounding force. That is where the story ultimately finds its heart.”
“Leashes, Love, and Lies” is available in multiple formats, including softcover, hardcover, and electronic editions, through platforms such as Archway Publishing, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
Middelveen’s previous works include her first novel, “Parachutes”, which addresses the ethnocide of Amazonian indigenous people. Her non-fiction pieces tackle controversial topics, including baited-bear hunting and the exploitation of nannies under Canada’s Live-in Caregivers’ Program. Currently, she divides her time between British Columbia and Alberta with her husband and their Shetland sheepdog.
For more information, readers can visit Archway Publishing’s official website.