When I started reading this book, I had no idea what to expect. With a title like that, and a cover that looks like the world is on fire, and almost all the praise and reviews using the word "gritty". ("Gritty" means gross, right? Yes. And other things.) But the thing is, once I got … Continue reading Giller Longlist: We’ll All Be Burnt In Our Beds Some Night by Joel Thomas Hynes
Tag: Atlantic Canadian Literature
At the Tide’s Turn by Thomas H. Raddall (1959)
Those of you who have been following me for a while, know that I have a thing for Thomas Raddall's books. I love that they tell a good story, while also teaching me something about the history of my home province, Nova Scotia. At the Tide's Turn is the first book of his short stories … Continue reading At the Tide’s Turn by Thomas H. Raddall (1959)
Heave by Christy Ann Conlin
First, let's delight in the title of this book. I love this title, and think it suits the book perfectly. 'Heave' implies a weighty subject matter. 'Heave' leads me to imagine someone pitching something away, in this case an old crappy life in exchange for a new one. As the protagonist is an alcoholic, there … Continue reading Heave by Christy Ann Conlin
Dancing In a Jar by Adele Poynter
Dancing In a Jar is a quiet, gentle epistolary novel. A refreshing look at a time gone by, in a place where the author grew up, and a community that knew how to live in the present and make the most out of life. What I liked about Dancing In a Jar: 1)You will not … Continue reading Dancing In a Jar by Adele Poynter
Hangman’s Beach by Thomas H. Raddall
A little while ago I wrote about my re-read of The Nymph and the Lamp. I went on and on about how much I loved it and what a great story-teller Thomas Raddall is, but I only had one of his books under my belt; I felt like I needed more evidence to back me … Continue reading Hangman’s Beach by Thomas H. Raddall
The Piano Maker by Kurt Palka
Kurt Palka was born in Austria, but he has spent some of his life living and working in Canada, and some of that time was spent in Nova Scotia. It was there that he started writing this book made up of ideas that he had gathered and shelved for an inspiring moment. You can read … Continue reading The Piano Maker by Kurt Palka
Canada Reads 2016 Mini(ish) Reviews
The theme for Canada Reads this year is 'Starting Over'. The debates air March 21-24. You can get the quick low-down of the books and panellists here. Here are the 5 books in the order of when I read them: 1) The Illegal by Lawrence Hill, defended by Clara Hughes, six-time Olympic medallist I read … Continue reading Canada Reads 2016 Mini(ish) Reviews
One Hit Wonders by Patrick Warner
Reading Atlantic Canada meets Reading Ireland Month. Patrick Warner was born and raised in Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. He moved to Newfoundland in 1980 in search of better weather and economic prosperity. Bitterly disappointed on both counts, he turned to writing, penning four critically acclaimed poetry collections and a novel, double talk. One hit Wonders is his … Continue reading One Hit Wonders by Patrick Warner
Consumed by Ink 