Canada Books

Bill Mason and son Paul really get down to basics in canoe and paddling technique in this revised soft-cover paddling manual. This book is geared to those who want to learn everything there is about flat-water and white-water travelling. It's the most definitive guidebook on the market.

This is an almost perfect book - Bill Mason's love of the craft shines through homey but well-written prose, while his descriptions of canoe technique and rivercraft are generally clear and easy to follow. He obviously writes from a wealth of experience, which translates into solid advice without becoming needlessly dogmatic. As a technique book, I much prefer this to Jacobson's series of canoe texts (although those are reasonable in their own right); I especially appreciated his series of river scenarios and discussions of how to handle them.

I would really liked to have rated this 5-stars. However, the production could have been much improved. The b/w pictures accompanying the text are often poorly reproduced, with insufficient greyscale to allow them to be clearly interpretted. Additionally, a bit more editting might have spotted some inconsistent terms as well as other undefined terms. But all in all, this is one of my favorite canoe books. It certainly should have a place on the shelf of every serious paddler.

Path of the Paddle provides more than an instructional text, it introduces the reader to the art of canoeing. Mason infuses the practicality of the subject with a respectful dose of philosophic underpinnings that anyone who has ever slid a canoe onto the water's surface and experienced the joyful dance of boat, paddle and water will appreciate. There are many "how to" canoe books, covering the basic stokes and safety concerns, but this book conveys that information in a form that demonstrates the author's love for his craft.
If you want to become a canoeist, not only do I recommend this book, I recommend finding and getting the video of the same title.

Best canoeing book on the market. Not only is it a great how to guide on canoe handling, it is an excellent read for those long winter nights for the canoe enthusiast. The book imparts Bill Mason's love of the canoe. Written by a true legend in canoeing and wilderness film making.

I own both "Path of the Paddle" and "Song of the Paddle". These are the best books I have seen on canoeing, written by one of the best canoeists ever. They cover all facets of the canoe and how to use them properly. The "step-by-step" photos and the diagrams help teach proper techniques and the text is both informative and entertaining without becoming confusing or boring. Bill Mason and his son Paul have done a splendid piece of work and these books are a cherished addition to my personal library.

This is the original, and, in my opinion, still the best reference book on phase lock loops.

a detailed comprehensive coverage of all aspects of phase-locked loops. The book contains lots of paper references relating to each chapter and has many examples as well.
A recommended book for research students.

Superb book. Essential reading and reference for any serious PLL designer. This updated edition does for DPLLs what the original did for analog. I haven't seen any author come close to Gardner for comprehensive, accurate treatment of these topics.

Este libro contiene todo lo necesario (de lo mas simple, a lo mas avanzado) para poder entender como funciona y como implementar un Lazo de Enganche de Fase (PLL). Ademas está explicado con mucha simpleza y claridad.

I am gladly surprised to see how the author has taken the effort, not just to make a routine revision of the classic book, but to write a completely different book. Non interesting material has been removed, while new up-to-date topics have been added (for instance Charge Pump PLL), based on the own author research, and other published papers.

The approach of some classic analysis has also changed. In particular the approach to the so called Loop Filter as a controller and not as a filter.

In summary, a very valuable addition to PLL literature, worth to buy even by readers that own previous editions.

This is an excellent guidebook to the flowers, shrubs, trees and plants of the entire Rocky Mountain chain. I tested this book in the meadows and streambeds near my home in Wyoming and discovered that the photos are clear, colorful, and aid in identification of species. Each listing features a general description as well as data on the leaves, flowers, fruits, and range. If you read the description closely and match it with your subject it's difficult to misidentify the species. Not every wildflower is included here but 95% of what you might find in Yellowstone or RMNP is here. Also, there's a brief bit of lore on most of the more common plants and flowers to help the reader understand the historical medicinal uses, as well as which ones make a refreshing tea and which ones can leave you paralyzed and impotent if ingested at toxic levels.

Not to be underestimated is the sturdy construction of this book - I carried it on a 2 week backpack earlier this summer and found the cover virtually indestructible and waterproof.

This book is my constant companion while exploring the outdoors in the Rocky Mountains. Wonderful layout, great pictures, lots of detail so you're sure to get the correct ID... and great facts to add depth to your knowledge of the trees, shrubs, and flowers. I love this book, and highly recommend it to anyone living - or even visiting - the lovely Rocky Mountains.

"Plants of the Rocky Mountains" is by far the best all-around field guide for Rocky Mountain trees, shrubs and flowers (with some grasses) that I've yet seen, and ranks right up there with classics like Newcomb's Wildflower guide for the northeast. Kershaw et al. provide simple, easy-to-use keys and organize plants by growth form (trees, shrubs, flowers), family, and color, so that both beginners and botanists can navigate with ease. Photographs are typically small, but the entire plant is shown, usually in its native habitat. Descriptions typically include relatives, uses, and occasionally an amusing anecdote.

As a cautionary note, "Plants of the Rocky Mountains" is intended to be used in the mountains, and is less useful in deserts, basins, or canyon country. That said, this is the ONE book that I take with me on weekend jaunts in the high country. -William Adair, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Utah State University

I do lots of "belly botany" -- always on my elbows looking at, and photographing, tiny alpine plants in the Rockies -- and I have a vast collection of plant keys and guides. I tell everyone, though, that if they want just one book on all the plant life in the Rockies of Montana, Alberta, Wyoming, and adjacent areas, this is it. Plentiful and clear photos, good "keys" for identifying plants, and just enough detail. This book contains trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, grasses, ferns, lichens, rushes, sedges, bryophytes, -- everything you need in one low-price volume. I bought two and tore one apart so I could save weight carrying just the flower section when I go backpacking.

Indispensible for beginners and experts alike!

The book begins with an itroduction that includes info on different zones such as: foothills, montane, subalpine, alpine, disturbed areas, basic maps, wildlife, fires, and more.

It then is divided and color coded for example: Trees-brown, shrubs-brown, wild flowers-yellow, grasses-green, ferns and Allies-reddish brown, Bryophytes-light green, lichens-light purple, and glossary-dark purple.

Within each section, it is further divided by family. For example the tree section is divided into pine family, willow family, and birch family. At the beginning of this section is a key to help you identify the different families. The flower section includes a photo key, so that you can find the flower you are seeking at a glance, and then go to the correct page.

Each plant includes info including common and latin name, description, where found and notes. The notes vary, but include much interesting information on the history of the plant. Some info on edible and medicinal plants is offered as well though the authors state, "This guide is not meant to be a 'how-to' reference for consuming wild plants." It also includes information on other plants in the "family within the family"...for example it discusses 3 different types of Tragopogon (Goat's beard or Salsify). It often gives pictures of more than one plant in the family-within-the family. It has a color photo for each plant, and many of them also include illustrations.

I am a beginner, and my purpose in using this book is to study edible wild plants. One thing drew me to this book was that it includes mcuh info on grasses, trees and shrubs. For learning edible wild plants, I also recommend Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide by Elias and Dykeman. This book offers info about poisonous look alikes.

Another wonderful aspect of Plants of the Rocky Mountains is its sturdy construction. It is well made, and appears that it will able handle many hiking and camping trips.

In summary, I think everyone interested in wild plants could benefit from this wonderful book, particulary at such a great price!

When I first read this book, I didn't have much experience in life and had a very short memory. As I grew in experience I realized that many of the positive changes in my thinking were seeded by ideas I gained reading this when I was relatively barren emotionally and intellectually. The person I was when I first read this book is now but a memory. But the amount and the kind of guidance I got along the way or continue to get from various sources is regulated by my own readiness to understand and eventually accept. I credit this work for giving me a place to start.

I read this book back when I was 18 and besides all its other values, I was completely cured of procrastination after reading it!

I recommend this book on finding your identity and strengthening it. Very interesting the chapter about healthy separateness in marriage!The Art of Loving

Read this book as it has the ability to allow you to transform your life.

Dr. Peck's landmark book "The Road Less Travelled" is a well-used book in our home library. With an open mind and the desire to help oneself, this
book is of enormous assistance. It enlightens, examines, provides a
plethora of goals and aims for one trying to find his/her way through a
maze of psychic pain, emotional distress, and/or true depression.
It was recommended to me by a physician who is board certified in
Adult and Child Psychiatry. The book is a gem! Buy it, borrow it. . .
but, read it again and again.

I have read all the deryni series and this one is a good one. There is a really good twist in this book that will affect the events in all the other books in the series. It is also action pact with a hint of mystery, magic, and suspence. A good read, should be the 2nd one read in the whole series. Enjoy!

This is a very fast moving, action packed, enjoyable book! A great compliment to the previous Deryni novels. A must read and a gauranteed favorite of all ages.

Suspence, intrigue, mystery, and humor, all packed into one book. This book goes into the Protocol of Orin, a guide to many ancient, complicated Deryni practices. The plot is excellent and this book is guarenteed to keep you on the edge of your seat!

I continue to enjoy this book, just watching Camber getting himself into more trouble.

Camber, the elderly Deryni lord who led a human revolt against his own magic-wielding kind in the land of Gwynedd, begins to cope with the aftermath of the successful coup.

King Cinhil, once a monk, blames Camber for the loss of his vocation and the infinite difficulties of his new life and is not coping with them (or his ertswhile magic-wielding allies) well at all.

If Camber's priestly son Joram knows his father, Camber will do whatever it takes to make sure Cinhil--and Gwynedd--come out right. Even risking death...or worse, his soul!

Camber, in this book and it's sequel (Camber the Heretic), is at his strong-willed, best-intentioned, and soul-searching best. His dilemmas and solutions to them, bad and good, make an impression on the reader as well as the kingdom he serves.

This review is actually directed at all Deryni novels. I havent read them for a few years and have moved several times and only have 5 or 6 of the total deryni series but am going to buy all of them again. They are among the best books I have ever read and I have a large collection of about 150 books. If you are a fan of SciFi/Fantasy you will love this book. Without giving away too much this is one of the most pivotal of all the books by giving away some of the intrigue and a double person?

I had to purchase a Sciensaurus book for a college class and this book was an add on (buy two for less money). This is the book I use!

My 6th grade students were beginning their science fair projects and didn't have access to the internet. This is where I sent them for ideas.

The experiments are simple, the materials are minimal, the "science" is included but not primary, it is truly for those people who want their kids to experience the "hands-on" of science.

The index is set up in a chart so you can choose the topic~ earth, seasons, animals, rocks...across the top and then follow the column down to get all of the experiment options.

This book could keep a science teacher busy with experiments for an entire school year plus some!

I am so glad to discover this book is still available. It's far more comprehensive and intelligent than so many other activity books. Laid out clearly, with activities in various realms of knowledge that offer numerous variations so a parent could conceivably use this one book throughout a child's school years. I can't imagine a child not discovering the joys of science (broadly defined) when a parent introduces him or her to some of these delightful activities. The best thing about the book is that so many of the ideas don't require vast preparation, but can be done spur-of-the-moment.

I used this book for Science Club for years and found it invaluable. I would highly recommend it for any teacher who runs Science Club or needs a supply of demos. Invaluable!

I've used this book for several years as a teacher, and found it gone from my bookshelf. It's great. It has everything. And it's written well and clearly. A very eclectic collection, but sound.

I've used many of the activities. Either as a demo, as a "set" or for students to do. The materials needed for the activities are inexpensive. The ideas presented in the book are creative and allow you to spend more "brain power" on other things. It includes all areas of science, no matter what you teach, it can fit in. I've used it for 9th and 10th and don't feel it is too "elementary". It's worth the money.

I just recently got this guidebook, and let me just say that it blew away all my expectations. Seriously, this is the finest mountain guidebook I've ever seen. Pictures for every mountain, great descriptions, introduction, etc. Bravo. Well worth the money. I had to try hard to keep myself from drooling on the book because it's an x-mas gift to my dad. There are certainly some great peaks to climb in Canada.

Many of the peaks visible from your car as you drive through the rockies have relatively easy routes to their summits,that is - routes that can be done with only hiking equipment.Those that do are likely to be described in Alan Kanes book. Some are not much more than a walk-up others require a fair degree of experience and nerve to accomplish. Route descriptions in guidebooks often make for rather dry reading,but many of these are spiced up by bits of interesting historical,geological,and other info as well as by the authors offbeat sense of humour.

Wow...what can I say, other than this book has had a major impact on my life. From a valley bottom, trail dweller, "Scrambles" has shown me how to reach the heights without having to bother with the burden of carabiners, ropes, etc... If the essence of this guide book could be summed up in one word...that word would be FREEDOM. The Canadian Rockies are not a heavily travelled area (except for the main street of Banff!). With the exception of a few popular peaks, one is unlikely to encounter other people of most of these scrambles. Alan's route descriptions are concise and accurate, which is of great importance, especially under less than ideal conditions. There is a magical world waiting to be discovered in these mountains and "Scrambles" is the perfect passport to many adventures, here in the Canadian Rockies

This book is gold. Alan has made a guidebook, that has everything you need to know about a route, right in front of your eyes. From Elevation gain, approximate round trip time, difficulty, the map needed, route photos for every peak and a completely detailed description of the route. Also he has a colored mini photo album at the beginning of the book that shows some pictures of what you will encounter. He has included over 150 mountains that range from tiny hills that I could take my pet hampster up(jokingly), to glaciated masses of rock that can take a rope and multiple days. This book should be in every climbers pack. I erge you to buy it. It's well worth it.

The author, Alan Kane, does a great job of putting this guide together. This version is much better than the previous edition. Lots more peaks included. For the most part the peaks are all in alberta. Some in the south, others a bit more towards the north. Each hike includes difficulty level and other relevant information.

Alan has climbed every one of the peaks he described. The route descriptions reflect that intimate knowledge that the author has with each route. The details are excellent. Moreover, he really gives you a feel for the climb and from my experience reading the routes made for fewer unwanted surprises on the actual climb.

I'll also say that the book has a nice variety when it comes to difficulty of the scrambles. The concept of scrambling in many ways represents the highest degree of freedom you can have while climbing. This is because you needn't be weighed down by lots of gear (protection, climbing rope, chocks, etc) to do these scrambles. Yet they are more difficult and exciting than a regular walk-up. Kane has all the bases covered here. For a guide to scrambling in the canadian rockies, look no further. However, don't just take my word for it...Alan has a website where you can see some of the routes described in the book. I think it will give you a good idea of what to expect.

IF YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOUR LOT IN LIFE..READ THIS..ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I EVER READ...

Wow-this book was so fun and sad and interesting to read, all at the same time. Olive's story is piercing and makes one ponder the amazing will to live in the face of such overwhelming odds. A fantastic true adventure story!

A story of a courageous strong woman. Descriptions of the environment (land & conditions) enticing. I found myself being scared right along side of Olive. A real adventure story.

This was a favorite, and it was done with no bad words or violence, other than from nature, I loved it and still wonder what happened to Olive and her second husband after they were married and flew off in the airplane. I watch it everytime it comes on tv. I have taped it and shown it many times to company.

A fresh, uncomplicated tale of the people who adventured north in the past. Action packed, engaging and reveling, this book will remain for ever one of my favorite adventure and romance stories. It shows much about how people may face a foreign environment, difficulties, and above all themselves. All comes out in very simple and clear language, with suits the story and the characters divinely.

The beauty of Hank Davis' book is that it operates on several levels at once -- as only the best works can.

On the surface, Small Town Heroes is the story of an older guy with enough spare time and discretionary income to get in his car and truck around eastern North America checking out minor league baseball teams. Players, managers, mascots, front office people, concession workers -- each has a story to tell. These stories interweave to form the tapestry that is minor league baseball today.

On a deeper level, Davis' investigations facilitate the contemplation of bigger issues, beginning with the realization that, ultimately, all travel is time travel. It is fascinating to watch Davis collide head on with (friendly) ghosts from his middle 20th century childhood even as he encounters a new generation of "instant" stadiums hastily assembled from the remnants of discarded beer cans.

Deeper still is the responsibility of an emerging generation of elders to preserve and protect that indigenously North American optimism that baseball has always represented and that minor league baseball today can help us preserve. Our heritage was never predicated on the whims of spoiled brat millionaires and self important corporate moguls in luxury sky boxes. As Davis points out time and again, relief from such nonsense is only as far away as your local minor league ballfield.

My only regret is that Davis' book cannot go on forever and cover every location. As both a Royals/Golden Spikes and CWS fan, I would enjoy Davis' perspective on Omaha's precious Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium.

Meanwhile, anyone afflicted with parents, spouses or others irritated by "valium ball" who routinely admonish you to "grow up" and burn your bats and gloves so you can get out in the back yard and build them a new patio -- you need only hand those offenders a copy of Small Town Heroes and let Davis show them why such requests cannot and must never be granted.

Finally, if you're a "Field of Dreams" fan, consider this to be a book about multiple successful examples of the "if you build it, they will come" scenario.

Well, beat the drum and hold the phone-the sun came out today! We're born again, there's new grass on the field.........Well, I spent some time in the Mudville Nine, watchin' it from the bench............. Hank Davis has a hit! Reading Small-Town Heroes gives one much the same feeling as listening to Fogerty belting out Centerfield.

Davis does an excellent job of exposing the heart, soul, and emotions of those immersed in making a minor league team a reality. The struggle of emotions and the psychic battles faced by players, managers, coaches, mascots, fans, vendors, and other personnel involved in making the game "come off" are, many times, missed by the typical fan. Davis puts you "in the head" of the new kid just getting off the bus in eastern Tennessee and guides you through his experiences and journies. He then leads you on an expedition of the mind, emotions, and ego of the 27-year-old coming down from The Show for a last trip through the minors.

Davis's style makes you cheer for guys and teams that you have never seen-nor, in many instances, heard of. You feel the sense of urgency in getting the next hit or lowering the ERA with the next strike out. You feel the humanity of men ready become superstars as well as those about to plunge into "the agony of defeat". Hank Davis distinguishes and translates the subtleties of conversation in the dugout and batting practice that are concealed or ambiguous for most. His understanding and empathy flow clearly and vividly through to the pages of Small-Town Heroes.

Hank Davis leaves the reader with his opinion of the state of the baseball, and the minors in particular. He has an explicit assessment and is not hesitant about sharing it. He is the kind of guy I would like to sit next to and share a beer with at Graniger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina on a hot August night!

Tours of small towns, minor league parks, and geography are accurately and realistically portrayed for the reader. Local flavor, as illustrated by Davis, can almost be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, and felt. He presents all the characters-those not likely seen by a visitor and those taken for granted by the locals. From "Mom" and the "Mountain Man" to the groupies, mascots, ground crew, hotel desk clerks, waitresses, and guards-"the whole cast"--Davis introduces you to each. Others have attempted tours similar to Davis only to commit error after error-Davis gets a hit!

This is an excellent read from start to finish. Davis really captures the essence of the minor league experience from the perspective of players, employees and fans. Baseball fans will love it, and non-fans will still be caught up in the many personalities profiled here.

Hank Davis has done a marvelous job in this view of life in (and around) the minor leagues. His sense of humor comes through many times. This was probably the easiest reading book of this length (354 pages)that I've encountered. It just flows! One of the things that I liked most about the book was not only the liberal use of photographs, but their placement. Every photo was within a page of the corresponding verbage. In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each and every page was interesting, entertaining, or informative. As a visitor to approximately 30 minor league parks myself, Davis enabled me to "revisit" many of those parks. Job well done, Mr. Davis!

Well, beat the drum and hold the phone-the sun came out today! We're born again, there's new grass on the field.........Well, I spent some time in the Mudville Nine, watchin' it from the bench............. Hank Davis has a hit! Reading Small-Town Heroes gives one much the same feeling as listening to Fogerty belting out Centerfield.

Davis does an excellent job of exposing the heart, soul, and emotions of those immersed in making a minor league team a reality. The struggle of emotions and the psychic battles faced by players, managers, coaches, mascots, fans, vendors, and other personnel involved in making the game "come off" are, many times, missed by the typical fan. Davis puts you "in the head" of the new kid just getting off the bus in eastern Tennessee. He then gives you a tour of the mind, emotions, and ego of the 27-year-old coming down from The Show for a last trip through the minors.

Davis's style makes you cheer for guys and teams that you have never seen-nor, in many instances, heard of. You feel the sense of urgency in getting the next hit or lowering the ERA with the next strike out. You feel the humanity of men ready become superstars as well as those about to plunge into "the agony of defeat". Hank Davis distinguishes and translates the subtleties of conversation in the dugout and batting practice that are concealed or ambiguous for most. His understanding and empathy flow clearly and viv-idly through to the pages of Small-Town Heroes.

Hank Davis leaves the reader with his opinion of the state of the baseball, and the minors in particular. He has an explicit assessment and is not hesitant about sharing it. He is the kind of guy I would like to sit next to and share a beer with at Graniger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina on a hot August night!

Tours of small towns, minor league parks, and geography are accurately and realistically portrayed for the reader. Local flavor, as illustrated by Davis, can almost be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, and felt. He presents all the characters-those not likely seen by a visitor and those taken for granted by the locals. From "Mom" and the "Mountain Man" to the groupies, mascots, ground crew, hotel desk clerks, waitresses, and guards-"the whole cast"--Davis introduces you to each. Others have attempted tours similar to Davis only to commit error after error-Davis gets a hit!

If I were the ranking type, I would have ranked Donna Morrissey's
third book Sylvanus Now as her best, but I'm not, so I will begin my
review by saying that it is absolutely brilliant. Those of you who are
fortunate enough to have read her first two books (Kit's Law and
Downhill Chance) already know what an insightful, sensitive and
exquisite writer Morrissesy is (and those who haven't read the first
two books - please go, buy and read them - now -, you'll be forever
thankful to me for this suggestion). Well, turns out, Sylvanus Now is
even a fuller book than her first two. While, as before, Morrissey
reaches into the deepest folds of her characters' psyches, and
presents their human struggles to us in her most real, and near
poetic, prose, this time she also presents a drama of huge
proportions - the still unfolding saga of the Newfoundland (and
Atlantic) fishery -, through the eyes and the minds of those who have
been there to foresee, warn, and then helplessly witness (as
everyone who counted dismissed their warnings), and live with the
devastating consequences of the destruction of the - their - fishery
that sustained them, and that they had nurtured, for centuries.
If you are looking for a book to take you away, and bring you back to
earth, at the same time, Sylvanus Now is your book. You will fall in
love, once again, with Donna Morrissey's powerful writing, and be
captivated with her characters and her plot. Another superb gift to us
from this exceptionally gifted writer.

I agree with Beverly, this is a wonderful work. Friends from NL introduced us to Donna Morrisey and we picked this up as soon as we saw her name on the cover. Although the text is apparently "easy-going", I have never read so quickly; I just could not put the book down. I completely identified with the eldest daughter syndrome and the need to escape the overwhelming noise and confusion of large families, the backbreaking, tedious work for others and the powerlessness of women to be self-dtermining. Morrissey brilliantly parallels Adelaide's intelligence and desire for knowledge and solitude, and her subsequent feelings of inadequacy and failure with Sylvanus'confidence in his knowledge of the sea, the Mother, his sense of worth in work well done and his subsequent powerlessness in the face of modernity and destruction of his immediate environment. We find ourselves hoping for a specific resolution to their problems as they work their way out of their respective solitudes to make a joint decision. So satisfying and completely true to character all the way through. I can't wait to read her two previous novels.

Review by Nan Lincoln
The Bar Harbor Times
Like the Harry Potter fans of today, when I was a kid I eagerly awaited the next installment of C.S. Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia." Actually, there were a bunch of writers I wished I could phone and say, "hurry up!"
As an adult, there are only a few authors who inspire that same "Oh goody!!" response when I see one of their new books appear in the bookstore or library shelves - one of them, Patrick O'Brian, recently died. Philip Roth qualifies; Louise Erdrich, Ann Tyler, Joyce Carol Oates are others, and more recently added to that list is Donna Morrissey.
Ms. Morrissey's first two books, "Kit's Law" and "Downhill Chance," not only made me fall in love with her compelling writing style, but with Newfoundland, as well. Her latest novel, "Sylvanus Now," has continued that love affair.
This time, her story is set between 1949 and 1960. It is an era of enormous change for the inhabitants of Cooney Arm and Ragged Rock, two hardscrabble little villages on the shores of Newfoundland's fishing banks. Those changes are reflected in the lives of two people, a young fisherman named Sylvanus Now, and the girl of his dreams, Adelaide.
"Syllie" first spies his Adelaide through a window at a party, spurning the callow young men who are asking her to dance. Too shy to even enter the room, the boy nevertheless falls in love with the girl in the window, and eventually works up the courage to start courting her.
The courtship of Adelaide is something akin to taming a skittish wild animal. A star student before she was forced to leave school and go to work, salting fish, Adelaide once had far grander plans for herself than becoming the wife of a lowly fisherman. Although her dreams have been dashed by harsh reality, she resents it mightily. And what's more, as the eldest of seven or eight siblings she has a horror of babies. Not exactly an easy choice for our young suitor. But Sylvanus is uncommonly patient and gentle with his proud, oddball sweetheart, and eventually wins her heart.
But that's just the beginning. While this is indeed a love story, it is also a story of hardship and loss - for this young couple and for the community. The welfare of both depends open the fishing industry, and since the end of World War II sea changes are occurring so swiftly these tradition-bound Newfoundlanders can't keep up. First come the big trawlers with their mammoth gillnets that can't recognize the difference between a spawning female and a tom cod. Handline fishermen like Sylvanus Now are a dying breed. Even the women's work of salting the fish for shipment overseas is becoming obsolete with the soaring demand for fresh-canned fish. The women are pulled from the salting racks along the shore and lined up in the newly built processing plants. And even the plant's days are numbered when the behemoth factory ships arrive, not only scooping up every living thing in the ocean into their nets, but icing it all onboard to be sold at the fresh fish markets around the world.
Sylvanus notes with mounting disgust and horror the depletion of the fish stocks. Once, he could jig a boatload of cod in a few hours, it now takes days, and the fish are getting smaller and smaller. Still, he stubbornly refuses to change with the times and take a job aboard one of the bigger boats. The handline he catches his cod and haddock with is like an major artery connecting him with his energy source - the sea.
Ms. Morrissey has done some serious research for this book, and readers will learn more about catching, gutting, preserving and marketing fish than they probably ever wanted to know. Certainly more than Adelaide ever wanted to know.
"Choosing one of the higher faggots where the fish were already a bit dried and not too soggy with brine, Adelaide cautiously picked one up by the tail, grimacing at the coldness of the pickled flesh. It slipped out of her fingers. Picking it up again, she laid it across her arm, grateful for the long sleeves of her blouse, and held the thing arm's length from her chest."
On the other hand, Sylvanus's encounters with fish are some of the happiest moments in his life.
"Whoa, now, who do we have here?" he asked in astonishment as he pulled the forty pounder half out of the water, the brown of its back glistening wet its belly creamy milk and swollen with roe. A mother fish. Rarely would she feed off a jigger, busy as she was bottom feeding and readying herself for spawning. Reverently he unhooked the jigger from the mouth of the quietly struggling fish and watched the sun catch the last glimmer of her gills as she dove back into the deep the sack of roe in her belly unscathed. He felt proud. The ocean's bounty she was and woe to he who desecrated the mother's womb."
Ms. Morrissey's writing is spare without being dry or colorless, much like the dialogue and idioms spoken by her characters and the rocky, weather-scoured landscape they live in.
Inevitably, one is drawn to compare Ms Morrissey with that other great Newfoundland writer, Annie Proulx. It's been a while since I read "The Shipping News," but when I recall scenes from it I picture dark buildings, wet pavement, black ice, iron hulls, gray smoke, chapped faces and wet wool. While her stories also tend to be dark, Ms. Morrissey's writing evokes a much lighter palette - I think of bright colors that have been bleached out by the sun and salt.
The other thing I like about Ms. Morrissey is that, thus far, like my old friend Mr. Lewis, she keeps returning to the same place. Although the main characters change, one gets the feeling that the folks we met in her last books live just across the way or down the street. They may be a little rough around the edges, b'ye, but it's a good neighborhood to return to.
My only complaint about this book is that its publisher has brought the first American edition out in paperback, rather than give it a hardback run. When readers here finally discover Donna Morrissey, they are going to want good, solid copies of all her books for their libraries.

Do read this novel. Then buy Kit's Law and then Downhill Chance. There is no better way to learn about a place and way of life that lies hidden from view, tucked away carefully in history's dustbin. A forgotten people and way of life comes to life under Morrissey's deft hand. I can't explain the slow unfolding of this novel's plot without giving away too much, so you'll have to take the following as a small taste of the dish in store.

Third in the Morrissey opus, Sylvanus Now has the same quality of place as the other two novels have. Place is so strong in her novels that Morrissey gives the reader a virtual mind painting in which to set her characters. My mind's eye watched as Sylvanus walked to the beach to launch his little boat, had a bird's eye view as he jigged for cod, and stared blankly at the windowless wall of Sylvanus' and Adelaide's cottage (you will find out why.

One of the remarkable things about this novel is that it can be read as a political novel; but in the best sense. That is, the politics comes out through the lives of the characters rather than through prose. Here the politics is about how government policy affects people's lives, and especially when the policy is wrong-headed. But we don't see this happen - we feel it happen through the characters.

While the novel is named for Sylvanus, it is Adelaide who steals the novel. Sylvanus is rooted to his fishing, his place and his way of life. He wants no more but to live out his life as his ancestors have done - jigging cod in the good weather and working lumber in the cold. But Adelaide has intelligence that yeans for more out of life. She wanted to be a missionary and travel the world. She wanted to stay in school. But it was not to be and she was forced to help dry the fish on the flakes, and work in the fish processing plant.

Sylvanus sees her through the window at a dance. She is to us what she is to Sylvanus at first; and slowly we come to see her as she really is. She is difficult. She is resentful. But she also loyal and true. But she is more aware than Sylvanus can understand. She sees that his hatred of the new ways is eating him away from the inside. And she has her own demons to battle.

A particularly heartfelt character is Eva, Sylvanus' mother. As we learn, late in the novel, about her life, we come to picture the deep roots that these people have in this little fishing community on the banks of a wild sea.

It is the heartbreaking moments scattered through the book that make this lyrical novel soar far above the ordinary. One must reassess one's thoughts about the heroic life. These people and their time are heroic but voiceless if not for Morrissey. She gives them voice and songs to sing so that they cannot be forgotten.

Suze is a busybody and unstoppable talker who Adelaide finds a nuisance. But it is Suze who is her best friend, who will tell her what she won't hear and forgives all slights. I came to appreciate Suze slowly as does Adelaide.

The slow courting of Sylvanus and Adelaide is a wonderful section of the novel. He approaches her as one does a bird - slowly, holding treats but never forcing them. Adelaide's mother, Florrie, sees nothing but trouble from her children and demands they accord their lives with her will. We all know mothers like that and all recoil from them. The more they demand and harp, the less they get their way and their children cannot wait to leave.

But don't think this is all serious and sad. Morrissey's wit is present throughout in the colorful expressions used by the characters and her loving if at times affectionately ironic look at them. All of the characters in this novel are true. This is a first rate book.
Chuck Schwager

A fishing village on the Newfoundland coast is the scene of an unusual pairing, where a harsh landscape fuels the characters' daily existence. Fisherman Sylvanus Now is content, lacking only a wife, the object of his desire the beautiful, dissatisfied Adelaide. Such easy compatibility with her environment is foreign to Adelaide, trapped in a cycle of poverty, surrounded by squalling siblings, her future promising only back-breaking, soul-stifling labor, her beauty sure to fray under the rugged demands of survival. Once education is denied her, Adelaide is faced with rapidly diminishing options. When Sylvanus shows up at Adelaide's door, she knows a moment of joy, taking in his handsome face and elegant suit, but his occupation is betrayed by the rubber boots and bowed legs of the fisherman, her brief interest diluted by reality. Sylvanus asks Adelaide to go with him to Cooney Arm, his home: "Cooney Arm with its handful of blood relatives, the scattered sheep and the odd rhubarb patch was never a place she cared to visit." Leaving her fecund mother's jumble of screaming babies behind, Adelaide metaphorically shuts the door on her present and walks into the future with Sylvanus.

Week by week, Sylvanus gentles Adelaide, urging her to accept his offering of self and hearth. As a girl, Adelaide put all of her faith in God's protection and she will be sorely tested in her marriage, even her husband's love insufficient to shield her from her particular burdens. This once arrogant young woman engages in an inner journey against unanticipated odds, surrounded by the wild beauty of the coast, where nature rules the bounty or lack of her life: "She pasted life around her as if it were wallpaper, but then had scrambled into hiding after it started crimping and peeling and falling in strips around her." Both Sylvanus and Adelaide become intimate with the fear that takes up stealthy residence in their hearts, clinging to each other to survive.

This errant coastline seems centuries removed from progress in the 1950's, small fishing fleets gradually replaced by the massive ships whose nets cull the ocean, delivering their quarry to the canneries for immediate processing. Seduced by government assurances, local fishermen invest in liners to harvest their catch, sheltered from the harrying of inclement weather in factories, where women stand on their feet for long shifts, hands frozen, all for a regular paycheck and a few well-deserved modern conveniences. Most are eager to cast aside daily drudgery, positive that any change will enrich the tedium and hardship of their days. Couched in the idiomatic speech of the Newfoundland coast, the author mines local customs, the changing tides of the fishing industry, Sylvanus' unwavering devotion and the incredible spirit of a woman coming to terms with destiny.

Absolutely nothing about this novel is predictable, save the direction of the fishing industry and the inevitable displacement of families. As deeply reflective as Harriett Arnow's The Dollmaker, a harrowing tale of World War II industrialization and the fragmenting of the American family, Sylvanus Now is destined to become a classic, the characters trapped by economic limitations and diminishing dreams. Moving beyond the obvious dictates of plot, Morrissey catapults her characters into complex relationships, as a centuries-old way of life crumbles before the inevitable onslaught of progress. These protagonists grapple with their inner demons, finding salvation in the uncharted territory of flawed humanity, loss and forgiveness. Luan Gaines/ 2005.