Deze reeks speelt zich af in het fictieve Canadese stadje Manawaka, tegen de achtergrond van een ruig landschap. Het volgt de levens van diverse personages die worstelen met de beperkingen van het bestaan in een kleine stad en diepe persoonlijke strijd. Het zijn diep menselijke verhalen die thema's als identiteit, liefde en ergens thuishoren verkennen in een omgeving die vaak traditie en maatschappelijke verwachtingen benadrukt.
Hagar Shipley, a proud and irascible nonagenarian, retreats in the face of her approaching death and the bitter squabbling of her son and his wife to reflect on her past - her childhood marriage to tough-talking Bram Shipley, her two sons, the harshness of farm life on the prairie, her own failures and the failures and betrayals of others. A bloody minded and independent woman to the end, she embarks on a final wild escapade.
" ... a compelling journey seen through the eyes of a woman nearing the end of her life. At ninety, Hagar Shipley speaks movingly of the perils of growing old and reflects with bitterness, humor, and a painful awareness of her own frailties on the life she has led. From her childhood as the daughter of a respected merchant, to her rebellious marriage, Hagar has fought a long and sometimes misguided battle for independence and respect. In the course of examining and trying to understand the shape her life has taken, her divided feelings about her husband, her passionate attachment to one son and her neglect of another, she is sometimes regretful, but rarely penitent. Asking forgiveness from neither God nor those around her, she must still wrestle with her own nature: 'Pride was my wilderness, and the demon that led me there was fear.' She has been afraid of being unrespectable, afraid of needing too much, afraid of giving too much, and her pride is both disturbing and inspiring."--500 Great Books by Women; review by Sonja Larsen.
A vivid portrait of a woman convinced that life has more to offer her than the tedious routine of her days.
The book presents a lyrical exploration of growing up through eight interconnected stories centered around Vanessa MacLeod. Set against a backdrop of natural beauty, it delves into themes of family dynamics, love, and the complexities of transitioning into womanhood. Each finely crafted narrative contributes to a cohesive and emotionally resonant portrayal of a girl's journey, highlighting both the joys and struggles of her experiences. This work stands out for its poignant and compassionate storytelling.
The life of a woman novelist living in a small town in Canada.
A duty-ridden woman dreams of breaking free from her small-town chains.