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"The pivotal experiences take place at the old farm, but along the shoreline the key lessons are learned. To be a “canoer of shorelines” one does not need skill or gear or even paddles; one needs only an appreciation of the beauty of the moment."
In this lyrical novel, Julie Martin and Rachel Hardy both have an attachment to Meadowbrook Acres, and both try to reinvent their lives in its ghostly, antique embrace. Julie struggles to define herself in an adult role, bucking against demons until an encounter with Grandma Mary helps her realize they’re mostly in her head. Rachel is also looking for definition and returns to her childhood home with the idea she might rewrite her past. The two women’s stories—Julie’s told through the main narrative; Rachel’s through others’ recollections and her journal—intersect in the most delicious way. Dreams are a big part of life at Meadowbrook Acres, and the protagonists’ dreams overlap as their lives do. Indeed, the creaking house that is their centrepiece becomes a “dream house,” swollen with stories that haunt them both. The stories that have ferried them thus far take on new meanings, and a certain peacefulness pays a visit to this remote old home. |
Reviews
Consumed by Ink
"For me, nature is one of the most enjoyable parts of the book: the woods out behind Meadowbrook Acres where Musko likes to roam, Rachel’s quiet cabin on the lake, and the Park where they go to canoe the shorelines. If I can’t physically be there myself, the next best thing is to read about it!" --Naomi, Consumed by Ink
The Miramichi Reader
"Every once in a while, you come across a novel whose characters and stories enfold you into the pages so effortlessly that you find it difficult to extract yourself even after you turn the final page. A Canoer of Shorelines is one of those books." -- James M. Fisher
Readers' Favorite:
"A Canoer of Shorelines manages to be at once a quiet reflection on the trials of life and an exciting story of self-discovery. I’d happily recommend this book to anyone."
-- K.C. Finn
-- K.C. Finn
Reader Reviews
"Thank you Anne for this telling. This is not a book for the faint of heart and it describes deeply and realistically the difficulties and joys of rural living. It portrays a way of life that is disappearing for many in our world of urbanization and needs to be told and retold. The journey into mysticism is fascinating and inspiring for anyone who is interested or indeed has experienced similar events in their lives. I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to your next one."
Bill Massey, author of memoir OF PORK AND POTATOES
"A Canoer of Shorelines is a heartwarming story of complex family dynamics, friendships, and starting over. Normally a speed reader, I loved the prose of this story so much that I read slowly to savour it. This is a story that will stay with me a long time, and I will inevitably re-visit the people living within the pages of this very worthwhile read."
- A.M. Mawhiney, author of Spindrifts
- Learn more about this author and her futuristic fantasy for our times:
“Smith-Nochasak weaves a well-written narrative about both women as they face ghosts from the past and dreams in the present, each seeking their niche in life.”
“Smith-Nochasak weaves a well-written narrative about both women as they face ghosts from the past and dreams in the present, each seeking their niche in life.”
- Local Reader -- of Meadowbrook Roots
"It is an ambitious and surprising approach with two protagonists. She must have put a lot of thought into the structure which is commendable since it works. I expected a kind of Northern memoir with stories about First Nation families and villages but this is much more, an interesting psychological journey that has many overlapping and intriguing paths. I enjoyed her descriptive passages, and felt her love of the North very clearly. I don't know if it's intended, but I could sense some good use of symbolism in parts."
-Eleanor Millard, YT author of Summer Snow, Crossroads, and Journeys Outside and In.
Learn more about this author's life and books:
Articles and Interviews
The Story Behind the Story with the South Branch Scribbler, February 2022
Author Allan Hudson kindly invited me to be his guest February 19, 2022, and I really enjoyed this opportunity to talk about Canoer.
A link to the interview follows. Make sure to have a look around; it was an honour to be included in a site of this calibre!
Author Allan Hudson kindly invited me to be his guest February 19, 2022, and I really enjoyed this opportunity to talk about Canoer.
A link to the interview follows. Make sure to have a look around; it was an honour to be included in a site of this calibre!
North Queens former teacher debuts first novel
By Kevin McBain, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter LighthouseNOW Progress Bulletin May 26, 2021
About the author
Like her characters, Anne M. Smith-Nochasak grew up in a rural community that might be judgmental, but also watches over its own. And her great-grandmother really did cut her teeth on Spanish doubloons. Much of the idea for A Canoer of Shorelines came to her when she lived summers in a cabin that was accessed by canoe.
Smith-Nochasak is of diverse ancestry, with preachers, priests, and privateers in her background. She’s been a waitress, an oven insulator, a tire verifier, an aide in a nursing home, and many things besides before turning to teaching in her late twenties. She’s mainly worked in northern and isolated settings with Indigenous communities, where she found her greatest joy in this profession.
Smith-Nochasak lives in a rural wooded area in western Nova Scotia, and likes to hike, kayak, canoe, and spend quality time with her vocal Husky and an enthusiastic retriever-collie.
Smith-Nochasak is of diverse ancestry, with preachers, priests, and privateers in her background. She’s been a waitress, an oven insulator, a tire verifier, an aide in a nursing home, and many things besides before turning to teaching in her late twenties. She’s mainly worked in northern and isolated settings with Indigenous communities, where she found her greatest joy in this profession.
Smith-Nochasak lives in a rural wooded area in western Nova Scotia, and likes to hike, kayak, canoe, and spend quality time with her vocal Husky and an enthusiastic retriever-collie.
Bookstore
A Canoer of Shorelines is available from most major online retailers.
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