In The Liberty Circle, Alberta author and computer programmer Phil Campagna tells the story of a 16-year-old who’s recruited by a racist organization. Despite a good relationship with his (soon horrified) girlfriend, a longstanding Jewish best friend, and an unblemished record at school, Corey is vulnerable for recruitment as he struggles with his miserable and alienating family: an unemployed, authoritarian father, and a mother and older brother battling alcoholism.

In just three weeks at Camp Liberty, a training camp where recruits are brainwashed with neo-Nazi Aryan brotherhood propaganda, Corey endures sleep and food deprivation, and is drilled, lectured, and lied to. While details of Corey’s conversion and membership activities receive thorough treatment, less attention is given to his deprogramming and the early stages of his physical and emotional recovery. It is clear from the start that Corey somehow extricates himself from this ugly organization, but it is disappointing that the climax of the book revolves largely around physical conflict and adventure. Although violence is not a surprising development, deeper exploration of some of the novel’s many issues would have been welcome.

Issues introduced in this novel are numerous, sensitive, and complex. Given the powerful subject matter, a broader conclusion or perhaps an afterword might have been helpful. As it is, the pace is fast, the material gripping, the style direct and absorbing. The Liberty Circle will spark many a spirited discussion.