This is a novel made up of stories highlighting different stages of a woman's life. I loved this book for the structure, the humour, and the character's flaws. Not to mention the Halifax setting - as you know, I always appreciate a local setting. There is an incident that takes place early on in Nina's … Continue reading The Most Precious Substance on Earth by Shashi Bhat
I absolutely loved this story about three Nigerian women who "must address the wounds of the past if they are to reconcile and move forward." The story is narrated by each of the women, alternately. Kambirinachi Kambirinachi believes she is an Ogbanje--"a spirit that plagues a family with grief by dying repeatedly in childhood and … Continue reading Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi
As I opened up my notes on this book, I felt a little overwhelmed - two pages of notes, back-to-back, in tiny print. But that's not too surprising - Aubrey McKee is a big book and it takes place primarily in Halifax, Nova Scotia (where Alex Pugsley is originally from). So there was a lot … Continue reading Aubrey McKee by Alex Pugsley
The first thing I have to say about these books is that each one deserves it's own post. So very good in their own unique ways. Three from Atlantic Canada, one from Quebec. Are You Kidding Me?! by Lesley Crewe, Nimbus Publishing Lesley Crewe is wildly popular here in Nova Scotia. Her books at the … Continue reading From the Library: some laughs, some crime, a coma, and a narrative meditation
The Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award is one of the most lucrative in Canada. For more information about it and the writer it's named for, visit my Thomas Raddall page. Two of the nominated books for this award are set in contemporary Halifax, and one in an isolated nineteenth century Newfoundland cove. Crocuses Hatch From … Continue reading Atlantic Book Awards 2020: Thomas Raddall Atlantic Fiction Award
Before you start to think I'm completely obsessed with the Halifax Explosion, let me explain... When I first saw this book I thought it was going to be a twist on Dickens's A Christmas Carol, set in Halifax. Which it is... but it's not as close to A Christmas Carol as I was expecting it … Continue reading A Halifax Christmas Carol by Steven Laffoley
As some of you may know, I have been working on a little project the last couple of years; reading novels that have a connection to the Halifax Explosion. On December 6th of this year, 2017, it will be the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion. One of the things I find compelling about reading … Continue reading Dazzle Patterns by Alison Watt
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
As some of you may remember, I have read this book before. I read it at least 10 years ago, maybe more, and it was one of the books that got me excited about reading more books and writers from my own area. It was also one of my picks for Triple Choice Tuesday on … Continue reading The Nymph and the Lamp by Thomas H. Raddall
I really enjoyed both of these novellas. The End of the Alphabet was recommended by Tori at Being Tori in Victoria, and I wanted to read Homing after reading and loving Fallsy Downsies by Stephanie Domet. Both of these are love stories, one at the end of its time, the other at the very beginning. … Continue reading Two Canadian Novellas: Homing and The End of the Alphabet
Consumed by Ink 