I learned about this novel when reading a book of interviews of Canadian writers of historical fiction, and chose this one to read by Jane Urquhart because it was regarded as having lyrical prose and a compelling story. Indeed it is. The first few chapters are so beautifully written I read them a few times; the remainder of the novel is definitely absorbing but not as brilliant in its use of language, and certainly not as "magical" in its story.
From Library Journal's review: Like a heartbreakingly romantic ballad of hard times, unrequited love, and lamentation, Urquhart's third novel is an entrancing saga of a family who must leave Ireland for Canada during the potato famine of the 1840s. As a young girl in Ireland, Mary is taken "away" to the faeries after a young sailor whom she rescued dies in her arms. Although she does eventually marry and start a new life in the Canadian wilderness, Mary still hears the call of her sailor and finally leaves her family to live the rest of her life alone by a lake. Her daughter Eileen, in turn, falls in love with an Irish nationalist whose passion is only for his cause... Urquhart beguiles the reader with a cast of lovable eccentric characters in a wonderfully surreal world.... An extraordinary achievement.
From Library Journal's review: Like a heartbreakingly romantic ballad of hard times, unrequited love, and lamentation, Urquhart's third novel is an entrancing saga of a family who must leave Ireland for Canada during the potato famine of the 1840s. As a young girl in Ireland, Mary is taken "away" to the faeries after a young sailor whom she rescued dies in her arms. Although she does eventually marry and start a new life in the Canadian wilderness, Mary still hears the call of her sailor and finally leaves her family to live the rest of her life alone by a lake. Her daughter Eileen, in turn, falls in love with an Irish nationalist whose passion is only for his cause... Urquhart beguiles the reader with a cast of lovable eccentric characters in a wonderfully surreal world.... An extraordinary achievement.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
