Early in his service, Ian is nearly mugged but is saved by a fierce, pipe-wielding homeless man named Sarge. As Ian continues to volunteer, he discovers that Sarge—whose real name is Jacques—is a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who served as a United Nations peacekeeper in Rwanda. Through interviews for a school project, Ian learns about the horrors Jacques witnessed and the debilitating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that led to his current life on the streets. Major Themes
Initially, Ian is detached and judgmental. He views the homeless as a nuisance and is terrified by the grittiness of the neighborhood. However, his perspective shifts dramatically when he meets , a former soldier who lives on the streets. eric walters shattered
"I've been through some tough times, and I've seen the impact that trauma can have on individuals and families," Walters said in an interview. "I wanted to write a story that would speak to those who are struggling, and offer a message of hope and resilience." Early in his service, Ian is nearly mugged