If you’ve ever wondered what Canmore might look like in a parallel universe, look no further than author Joe MacKinnon’s novel Faultline 49.

MacKinnon is a former Canmore resident now living in Toronto, and has written for publications such as The Walrus. Under the pen name David Danson, he offers a re-contextualized 9/11 scenario that sees Edmonton as the victim of a terrorist attack. The resulting aftermath sees much of Canada occupied by U.S. military forces, with Canmore playing host to a rebel organization hell-bent on reasserting Canada’s sovereignty.

The story takes place through the eyes of a gonzo reporter on a curiosity-fuelled trip through U.S.-occupied Canada, and while locations across the country are featured, Canmore and the Canadian Rockies quickly become the epicenter of the tale’s conflict.

“Canmore, as the gateway into the mountains, becomes the frontline strategically because we have the foothills behind us,” said MacKinnon, explaining that the mountains of the Bow Valley seemed the perfect place to tell the story of a brave rebellion that features Canadian characters who are anything but ordinary.

“Often Canada gets glazed over in the media,” said MacKinnon.

“Here is a story that offers bad-ass Canadian characters; we’re not accustomed to seeing them in pop culture.”

Faultline 49’s story sees its protagonist, David Danson, on a mission to understand the U.S. occupation of Canada and, ultimately, to seek out the chief provocateur of the Canada - U.S. conflict. The journey that follows has been praised as a stark tale of sovereignty and imperial overstretch: a metaphor for U.S. foreign policy that could hit disturbingly close to home for Canadian readers.

According to MacKinnon, those with an interest in politics and history will find much to like in the novel, which has been lauded for its vision by politicos from Canada and around the world.

“Ostensibly, it’s Canadian pulp,” said MacKinnon.

“For political junkies, there’s a lot there. It’s an alternate history, but it’s about much more; anyone invested in Canadian history might take interest.”

Faultine 49 is currently being adapted into a graphic novel as well as a live-action web series. For more information, visit faultline49.com.

justin.parsons@sunmedia.ca