Set in Witless Bay, Newfoundland, the book is populated with people who are quirky, plain-spoken, and likable. They form a rustic backdrop to a plot that involves murder, adultery, shipwreck, and a disastrous arranged marriage.
Another Shipping News? No. The language is spare and gives the story the feel of an extended folktale. Helen has seen mermaids and mermen. Enoch talks to his daugther in Morse code, and drives the mail boat singing Beothuk songs. The birds that Fabian draws lend a wild and beautiful presence to the book:
...the owl spread a clipped wing like a magician's cape over the mouse, revealed it, covered it again.
The author's delight in odd names adds another layer of otherness: Orkney and Alaric Vas, Botho August, Lambert Charibon, Boas LaCotte, Odeon Sloo, Mekeel Dollard, Mari-Lyma Fsjikskdjal, Laslow Sprunt, Ole Worm. These are not typical Newfoundland names.
Author Howard Norman is an American fascinated by Canada. Some of his other books include The Northern Lights, The Museum Guard, andMy Famous Evening.
