Books matching: newfoundland setting
10 result(s)
- #1
The Shipping News by Annie Proulx is a novel set in Newfoundland, following the story of Quoyle, a man who relocates to his ancestral home after a series of personal tragedies. The book delves into Quoyle's journey of self-discovery and redemption, as he navigates through the challenges of life in a small Newfoundland community. The writing style of the book has been described as atmospheric, with vivid descriptions of the harsh landscape and realistic dialogues that immerse readers into the setting.
Hive-spangled, gut roaring with gas and cramp, he survived childhood; at the state university, hand clapped over his chin, he camouflaged torment with smiles and silence. Stumbled through his twenties... - #2
'Come, Thou Tortoise' by Jessica Grant is a heartwarming and quirky novel that follows Audrey Flowers as she navigates the loss of her father and the secrets of her family. The story is narrated by Audrey and her pet tortoise, Winnifred, offering a unique perspective on the events. Set in Newfoundland, the book features whimsical characters, clever wordplay, and moments of both humor and pathos. Audrey's unconventional way of thinking and her interactions with her eccentric family members create a delightful and touching narrative that explores themes of love, family, and relationships.
The plane is a row of gold circles and a cockpit. One of those circles will carry my head halfway home. I count back fourteen. That circle. In the cockpit the pilots are having a good time. Boy are th... - #3
In Newfoundland writer Michael Crummey's book 'The Innocents', two orphaned siblings, Evered and Ada, find themselves alone in a remote cove on the shores of Labrador after their parents and baby sister succumb to illness. The siblings struggle to survive in the harsh conditions of late 18th-century Newfoundland, relying on their limited knowledge and the sporadic visits of a supply boat. The narrative delves into themes of family, loyalty, survival, and the evolving relationship between the siblings as they navigate the challenges of isolation and self-sufficiency in the unforgiving wilderness.
They were still youngsters that winter. They lost their baby sister before the first snowfall. Their mother laid the infant in a shallow trough beside the only other grave in the cove and she sang the... - #4
The Boat Who Wouldn't Float by Farley Mowat is a light-hearted tale of woes brought about by the purchase of a sailing boat in Newfoundland. The author, through his book, brings to life many long-forgotten memories and shares his experience of buying a fixer-upper schooner with a friend with the idea of bringing it back from Newfoundland to Ontario. The story follows their efforts over years, facing challenges with the boat's survival and the journey to reach their goal.
I happened to be passing through that town on auction day accompanied by a young lady for whom I had conceived a certain passion. However her passion was primarily reserved for auctions. When she saw ... - #5
"Our Homesick Songs" by Emma Hooper is a lyrical and poignant story set in Newfoundland, Canada, focusing on the collapse of the cod fishery in 1992. The narrative follows the Connor family, particularly ten-year-old Finn and his sister Cora, as they navigate the changes in their community after the closure of the fishing industry. Through magical realism elements and vivid storytelling, the book explores themes of loss, resilience, and the longing to preserve traditions in the face of environmental tragedy.
The author weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives to paint a rich tapestry of characters and emotions, capturing the essence of Newfoundland's close-knit communities and musical heritage. With lyrical prose and a focus on what is lost and what we try to reclaim, "Our Homesick Songs" offers a moving portrayal of a disappearing way of life and the enduring spirit of the people affected by it.
Out on the dark green night water, said Finn, there was a mermaid. And, because mermaids need to, it sang. Sad songs, homesick songs. Night after night, over a hundred thousand fish. And the only one ... - #6
Galore by Michael Crummey is a multi-generational tale set in the small Newfoundland fishing village of Paradise Deep. The story revolves around two rival families, the Devines and the Sellers, spanning six generations. The narrative is rich in historical fiction and magical realism, beginning with the miraculous discovery of a man inside a beached whale, and delving into the intertwined lives and feuds of the families amidst the harsh realities of Newfoundland life. The novel's unique writing style, with years passing between sentences and generations unfolding quickly, captivates readers and immerses them in the lives of a diverse array of characters.
HE ENDED HIS TIME ON THE SHORE ina makeshift asylum cell, shut away with the profligate stink of fish that clung to him all his days. The Great White. St. Jude of the Lost Cause. Sea Orphan. He seemed... 'The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland' by Jim DeFede tells a heartwarming and inspiring story about the town of Gander, Newfoundland, which showed incredible generosity and compassion towards thousands of stranded passengers on 9/11. portrays the events from various perspectives, including that of a chairman of Hugo Boss, Werner Baldessarini, who was traveling to NYC for Fashion Week. Readers are taken through a journey of tears, grief, joy, and laughter as they witness the touching and compassionate spirit of the people of Newfoundland during a difficult time of tragedy.
The narrative style of the book is described as detailed, engaging, and emotional, capturing the reader's attention from the very beginning. It offers a unique perspective on the aftermath of 9/11, focusing on the unexpected visitors who found refuge in a small Canadian town and the extraordinary kindness and care shown by the residents of Gander towards their temporary guests. not only highlights the tragic events of that day but also showcases the resilience, strength, and generosity of human nature in the face of adversity.
Nearly three weeks had passed since they left their ranch outside the small Texas town of Alto and embarked on a journey to adopt a two-year-old girl in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan. It wa...- #8
The Bird Artist by Howard Norman is a novel set in the early 20th century in Newfoundland, Canada, focusing on the protagonist Fabian Vas, a bird artist who confesses to murdering the lighthouse keeper at the beginning of the story. The narrative then delves into the events leading up to the murder, exploring the complex relationships and emotions of the characters in the small, isolated community of Witless Bay. Through a sparse and honest writing style, the author creates a strong sense of place and time, capturing the harsh beauty and unique lifestyle of coastal Newfoundland in 1911.
My name is Fabian Vas. I live in Witless Bay, Newfoundland. You would not have heard of me. Obscurity is not necessarily failure, though; I am a bird artist, and have more or less made a living at it.... - #9
Sweetland is an island off the southern coast of Newfoundland, where the fishing village is facing relocation due to severe erosion. The novel follows Moses Sweetland, the last holdout who refuses to leave despite pressure from the government and his neighbors. Through flashbacks, the reader gets to understand Moses' past and the reasons behind his stubbornness. The story is a blend of adventure, mystery, and beauty, with a deep exploration of family, secrets, and the struggle to accept change.
HE SAW THE GOVERNMENT MAN WALKING up from the water. The tan pants, the tweed jacket and tie. The same fellow who came out for the last town meeting, or one exactly like him—there seemed to be an endl... - #10
'Orca' by Arthur Herzog III tells the story of a sailor character who is portrayed as a creep and the interactions between this character and a whale that comes off as tragic and sympathetic. The narrative explores themes of justice, revenge, and the complex relationship between humans and animals. The writing style is described as different from the movie adaptation, with some readers expressing disappointment in the lack of intensity compared to other classic sea creature stories like 'Jaws' and 'Moby Dick'.