Abstract

Sit Down, Stand Up is the story of Jamie Milan, a creatively and financially frustrated young man who has moved from Vancouver to Montreal to pursue a romantic relationship with folksinger Amy Webb and, he hopes, a career in stand up comedy. The novella begins with the abrupt end of his relationship and details his attempts to win Amy back. The action takes place in several bars and performance venues around the city, as well as the soap factory where Jamie works for low wages and interacts with a group of immigrant co-workers. It explores Jamie’s attempts to develop a more mature attitude towards women, and people in general, and to overcome his insecurities and find a creative voice. It is also a novella about failures of communication, and about the occasional successes that occur despite the many barriers that exist between the characters.