An Analysis of King Leary by Paul Quarrington
King Leary The notion of celebrity status is one that is often overlooked and many people have a one sided opinion on the life of a celebrity. Many people think the life of a celebrity as being one of relaxation and stress free when in reality they secretly face problems that come with the allure of fame. In the novel King Leary, written by Paul Quarrington, is an insightful book about the game of hockey set in the 1900s. There are several characters that emerge throughout the novel, but the main character is named Percival Leary. Percival was the best hockey player of that era. Throughout the novel Percival, who is now in a nursing home, looks back at and re-lives events that happened to him on his life journey. The novel is also an intuitive look at how the role of being a popular hockey star shapes the outcome of one’s life. Several themes emerge in the novel and are evident in various characters. Alcoholism and peer pressure consume some of the characters and the novel serves to highlight the lifestyle changes brought on by fame. The allure of fame and the notion of celebrity status lead to changes in one’s moral and mental compass. Throughout the course of the novel the image of fame and celebrity status help perpetuate the change in one’s behaviour and morality. As popular hockey celebrities, two characters in the novel King Leary exemplify how alcohol and partying consume their lives most notably, Manfred Ozikean and Clay Clinton. Alcohol, partying and fame are still problematic in today’s athletes. Alcohol affects the brain and its ability to produce conscious thoughts which hinders a person’s judgment and ability to make logical decisions. This is exemplified through former professional ice hockey player Derek Boogaard, who was found dead in his condo due to excessive alcohol consumption. Derek’s raise to fame caused him to binge drink and consume large amounts of prescription drugs. His fame ultimately led to a lifestyle that