The Last Days of Smallwood by Edward Roberts

 

The Last Days of Smallwood by Edward Roberts is a jaw dropping piece of Canadiana detailing the final collapse of the premiership of "the only living father of Confederation".  The late Mr. Roberts provides an up close and very personal account of the life and death of the Stephenville Linerboard Mill and in so doing provides great insight into the political climate and political players of Newfoundland and Labrador of the late sixties and early seventies. Roberts, Premier Smallwood's former assistant, Cabinet Minister and Leader of the Opposition,  outlines the attempted abuse by unscrupulous promoters of the linerboard mill in obtaining funding for the project and the Premier's dereliction of duty in protecting the province and its citizens from serious financial culpability. In so doing, Roberts explains with amazing detail how he and other ministers and officials were able to thwart the attempted coup by forming an alliance. Unfortunately, this youthful team of Smallwood's inner circle were unable to spare the fledgling province from irreparable economic harm as the succeeding government acquired the mill and continued to make futile attempts to turn it into a viable venture. 

Though Roberts' original intention for writing The Last Days of Smallwood was to lay out the trajectory of the Stephenville Linerboard Mill and the ensuing debacle, his "extensive and reliable knowledge" serves to further whet the appetite of the reader surrounding the Smallwood reign and Newfoundland and Labrador's bizarre political history. Using personal documents, verbatim quotes from court records and Hansard, and files of financial details, Roberts examines elections, byelections, floor crossings and alleged bribery. He details drunken brawls, an "illegal seizure of power by a deposed government", and even the burning of ballots in the woodstove of the returning officer of Sally's Cove. Juicy tidbits about Smallwood's  philandering Conservative successor are laid out for the world to see and Newfoundland's reputation on the national and world stage is called into question. If all this seems to be the stuff of fiction, it isn't.  Roberts' writing and recollections are further supported by five additional excerpts.  These include John Crosbie's No Holds Barred: My Life in Politics, Richard Gwyn' s Smallwood: The Unlikely Revolutionary, Bill Rowe's The Premiers Joey and Frank: Greed, Power, and Lust, Joseph R. Smallwood's I Chose Canada: The Memoirs of the Honourable Joseph R. Smallwood and Janice Wells' Frank Moore: The Time of His Life.  

The Last Days of Smallwood by Edward Roberts is an interesting albeit shocking account of just one political event in the bizarre political history of Newfoundland and Labrador. It will record for posterity the corruption, nepotism, and tyranny that once infiltrated Canada's youngest province and will hopefully provide a lesson to current and future political leaders about the importance of due diligence. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and would recommend it to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians born both pre and post Confederation. Roberts' staggering presentation of financial facts was, at times, overwhelming but in the end aided my understanding of the huge economic impact this project had on our province. I hope the current Muskrat Falls project does not fall into the same category. The Last Days of Smallwood is a Flanker Press publication.

A Baby Whale Ventures North by Samantha Baker

Come along and frolic in the waves with a baby humpback whale and her Momma as they travel from their breeding grounds in the south to the northern coastal waters of Newfoundland in Samantha Baker's second book A Baby Whale Ventures North.  As the two mammals swim side by side on their long journey the humpback calf learns so many things about it's ocean home and the many sea creatures that share her habitat. From learning to feed on capelin to taking deep dives and resurfacing for air, the young calf delights in the many sights and sounds that the coast has to offer. But most importantly, the calf learns that her mother is always by her side! 

A Baby Whale Ventures North is the second collaboration for daughter and mother duo, Samantha and Dawn Baker. Author Samantha Baker does a superb job at chronicling the journey of these two majestic ocean mammals! The tale is simple and delightful, tenderly written with a most uplifting message. Baker superbly weaves tidbits of information about the growing calf throughout the entire narrative, invoking excellent opportunities for inquiry and questioning, while at the same time introducing children to the many seabirds, fish and crustaceans that make the North Atlantic their home. The illustrations, by Dawn Baker, are bold, colorful and action oriented and reinforce the theme that all living things have needs supported by our adult caregivers, our mothers. They present wonderful opportunities for young children to interact with this Science themed book. I particularly enjoyed the "Did you spot?" section of the book where readers are encouraged to go back into the text and look for "6 Blue Mussels" , "3 Common Sea Stars", or "2 Common Terns". It is also nice to see iconic Newfoundland images like Signal Hill and, what looks to be, the Cape Spear Lighthouse incorporated throughout. An excellent addition to a home library and school resource centre, A Baby Whale Ventures North is simply a stunning book for the little person in your life. Congratulations, Samantha and Dawn Baker, on another wonderful collaboration! This book is a Flanker Press publication.

 The summer is coming to an end and the baby whale feels much braver than she did when she first arrived in the North Atlantic Ocean. She is eager to show off to her mother and leaps out of the water! Her mother proudly watches. .... Though the calf's world is about to change again, one thing remains the same: her mother will be by her side.

Old Broad Road/On The Rock by Phyllis L. Humby

When 63 year old Sylvia Kramer showed up in Chapel's Cove, Newfoundland she was far from ready to embark upon another love affair. That, however, is exactly what happened. Still in shock over her recent divorce from husband Paul, after what was perceived to be a marriage rooted in love and respect, and estranged from her adult children and grandchildren, Sylvia was broken and in need of an escape. A one way ticket to an east coast destination is what Sylvia seems to need; a place where she would be embraced by warmth and friendliness, eclectic people and unknown dialects, new delicacies waiting to be explored. A healthy dose of the North Atlantic is indeed the tonic that brings new life to Sylvia but evil lurks in all corners of the world and Sylvia is certainly forced to endure her share of the worst, plunging her into a tailspin of depression and doubt and experimentation with unorthodox coping strategies. Old Broad Road and On The Rock by author Phyllis L. Humby is the two part, two novel story of one woman’s will to survive and to make sense of her seemingly senseless world. 

On Route 60, I pulled the truck over and walked to a bench at the shoreline. My breath quickened at the natural beauty of Conception Bay as I gazed across the horizon. The drizzle had ended and the sun was remarkably warm. I removed my jacket to soak up the rays and then stretched my legs out in front of me until I settled into a relaxed position. My eyes grew heavy.   

I could see myself, arms outstretched, walk to the water's edge. Cautiously hop from rock to boulder. The blue sea lapped around my feet. The water crept up my legs past my knees. It stretched up my thighs and circled my hips, the silky surface luring me to its depths. My feet drifted off the rocks. My body submerged into the mysterious wet underworld. The icy water warmed me as I succumbed to the zenith of serenity. 

 (Old Broad Road)

In this two part series, Humby crafts a beautiful story that is masterfully written in the first person. In many respects,

the story has an “Eat, Pray, Love” feel with the main character Sylvia embarking upon a voyage of self discovery and new beginnings.  Though there are some heartbreaking incidents throughout both books that test Sylvia’s resolve,  this amazing piece of Canadiana is more about how love and friendship can conquer all. It is very much a feel good story that the reader just won’t want to put down and the tragic events are just part of that story. Humby also pens beautiful descriptions of an outport lifestyle that would be the envy of any writer. Her descriptions are factually accurate and truly invite the reader to become part of the story. Likewise, the author creates a wonderfully diverse cast of authentic characters that are as colourful as the jelly bean row houses located in old St. John’s. Instrumental to the development of the story and to Sylvia’s own personal development, the characters are funny and joyous, humble and adventurous. They are a wholesome mix of hearty Newfoundlanders (and some “Come From Aways”), a group I secretly wished to be a part of especially when they got together for celebrations and dinner parties.

Old Broad Road and On The Rock by Phyllis L. Humby is the story of one woman’s love affair with a place and with people who are just good for the soul. This book will leave you laughing, smiling, and crying and definitely booking your next adventure to Newfoundland. Phyllis L. Humby lives in the municipality of Lambton Shores, Ontario. She is the author of Hazards of The Tree, Old Broad Road and On The Rock published by Crossfield Publishing.

The Good Thief ~ A Novel by Leo Furey

Soon-to-be eighteen year old Sonny McCluskey is like any other teenager living in Newfoundland in the late 1960's; a trade school student, working part time at the family auto shop,  hanging with his friends while nurturing a little love interest on the side. Except, unlike most teenage boys, Sonny has Charlie (a.k.a. Dad)! An eccentric, but ailing modern day Robin Hood hell bent on taking his own life with the aid of his own flesh and blood, Sonny. If that wasn't bad enough Sonny is left with the task of having to run the burgeoning business of maintaining the auto shop while promising to continue Charlie's secret, albeit illegal, generosity of caring for the less fortunate. Never in a million years did Sonny think that upholding the family tradition would cause him to second guess his morality, lead him to uncovering family secrets, and expose hard to swallow truths about the family he loved and cherished. The Good Thief  by Leo Furey is a well executed modern day novel demonstrating the ensuing chaos when good and evil come face to face. 

In the living room, I look at his bookshelf, sit in his chair, and think about the future. Can I carry on the family tradition? Part of me knows it's a good thing, taking from the rich and giving to the poor. A noble calling. It's right to sock it to the heartless rich, as Crenshaw says. Another part knows it's wrong, criminal activity. Do I really want to do what Charlie did all his life? Counterfeiting? Could I look myself in the mirror? I want to be the son Charlie raised me to be. Promise me  you'll care for the less fortunate, son. I want to be loyal. But I want what's right for me, my own garage, and if I work hard, I'll have enough money to look after myself and others.

The Good Thief is best selling author Leo Furey's second novel. Set in the rural seaside community of Portugal Cove, Furey's storytelling is well paced, suspenseful and inundated with unexpected curveballs. The characters are oddly interesting and I enjoyed how the author utilized the backstory of each character to develop the events of the story. Rich with dialogue, readers will enjoy the sixties vibe complete with teenage passion, mind altering substances, and a little rock and roll. Readers will sympathize with the moral dilemma Sonny constantly seems to find himself facing and, like myself, will likely be caught off guard by the surprise ending.  Whatever happened to Sonny McCluskey? I guess we will have to wait and see. 

The Good Thief by Leo Furey is the full meal deal. A little romance mixed with risk, greed, and criminality combine to create a suspenseful story of one teen's struggle to escape the shadow of his eccentric father. The Good Thief is a Flanker Press publication.  

 

 

Sweater by Emily Hepditch

I remember distinctly my very favourite nightdress. It was pink and ohhh so soft with short ruffled sleeves and a pretty bow at the rounded neckline.  When I wore them, 7 year old Me imagined being a princess in some fairy tale land. If I could have, I would have worn those pyjamas every single night but they did need to be washed from time to time and on those nights I was left to don the "other ones" that sat pristinely folded in my top drawer; the ones with the long flannel sleeves and the too tight cuffs, the elastic waistband that pinched my sides and made me feel too hot while I tried desperately to dream away the night under my favourite blanket. And then, when my daughter came along and refused to wear anything with collars or long sleeves, I understood completely! Yep, we all have those pieces of clothing that we love to wear and others that eventually make it to the donation bag.  These were the thoughts that came flooding back when I first read my copy of Sweater written and illustrated by award winning author Emily Hepditch. 

Sweater is the delightful story of a school aged boy named Alexander who has been gifted a home knit sweater by his loving Grandma. Alexander isn't entirely pleased with this new present and has second thoughts when his parents think it would be a great idea to wear this thoughtful gift to school for picture day.  As expected, his day at school with his new sweater does not go well and just when he thinks he needs to tell his Nan that the sweater is too itchy, too big and too warm, the unexpected happens and Alexander realizes that this gift of love truly does have some unintended benefits.  

Author of two best selling novels The Woman In The Attic and Alone On The Trail, Sweater is Emily Hepditch's first children's illustrated book. This fictional story intended mostly for children aged 3-7 is simply written with an engaging storyline.  Emergent readers (and their parents!) will easily identify with and relate to the character Alexander and will understand the conundrum in which he finds himself. Afterall, who hasn't been the recipient of a well-intentioned homemade gift that doesn't seem to fit just right?  Hepditch does an excellent job at having the illustrations and text work together to tell the story. The pictures are well placed and allow young readers to contextualize the story by giving visual cues to the words on the page. The illustrations are colorful and simple and the pages are presented in a clean and clutter free manner,  clearly depicting the emotions of the character and the well paced story. As a new illustrator of children's picture books, I was impressed with Hepditch's work and felt the style was well suited to the story. I particularly liked the intricate sensory details of the gable knit sweater and the "warm woolly mittens" and blanket. 

Sweater is a timeless story to be enjoyed by both children and their caregivers. It is a reminder that those "soft" presents we often receive (and sometimes dread) are extensions of the special people in our lives who give them. Hats off to Emily Hepditch and her first foray into the world of Children's Literature...a talented young writer AND illustrator! Sweater is a Flanker Press publication.

Dildo, Newfoundland by K. Bruce Lane

A town built on fishing and whaling, the Trinity Bay community of Dildo, Newfoundland usually provokes a wide smile and a chuckle or two.   Though Dildo is one of the many Newfoundland place names that would make the heartiest of souls blush it is certainly not the only place name that would raise an eyebrow or two.  Ranking up there with other Newfoundland place names like Spread Eagle, Come By Chance and Blow Me Down, most community names are unusual monikers originating from early English and Irish seafaring terms or from early explorers that mapped our shores.  So, how did  Dildo get its name? Likely, as historically documented in 1711, it refers to the thole pin stuck in the edge of a boat to act as a pivot point for rowing but not everyone would agree and there does exist many colorful stories amongst local peoples about the namesake of this community.  One thing is true, though, and that is the fact that this picturesque little town will capture the heart of any and all who visit. Why else would American late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel declare Dildo as the sister city of Hollywood?  A leisurely perusal of K. Bruce Lane's book entitled Dildo, Newfoundland will show you why. 

Lane's book will take readers on a leisurely photographic tour of this quaint town located one hour west of the capital city of St. John's.  For the armchair tourist, this book is filled with bright colorful photos of the people and places that make Dildo famous, arranged in a softcover book that can be easily held. From pictures of the little dory's tied up to the wharf to the fish hung out to dry, readers will be transported to a quieter setting, free from the hustle and bustle of city life. Images are arranged singly, in couplets and some are single images displayed over a two page spread.   Photos of lobster pots waiting to be thrown into the water and cut wood readied for the upcoming winter offer a glimpse into the work life of the people of Dildo. One can almost hear the splash of the harbour water while fisherman gut their catch, the screeching of the hungry gulls overhead, and the banter of locals (and tourists alike) as life in this quintessential community unfolds before our very eyes.  I would be remiss if I did not mention the pictures of the boldly colored period houses characteristic of a bygone era.  These photos contrast beautifully with the more modern photos of the signage, restaurants and local watering holes typical of a vibrant, modern lifestyle.  Through well-curated images and interesting text detailing  historical information about Dildo,  K. Bruce Lane has done a superb job at portraying the simple life and times of a community that has gained international notoriety.  Dildo, Newfoundland is a wonderful coffee table album for any homesick Newfoundlander living away or for anyone who needs (dare I say?) a little Dildo in their life.

Dildo, Newfoundland is a Flanker Press publication. 

East Coast Counting by Dawn Baker

Extending to the easternmost reaches of the North American continent sits a small group of provinces kissed by the icy cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Known collectively as the East Coast, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, are as distinct as the regional dialects that can be found across each province.  As a region, however,  they share a common bond of rugged beauty and hard working, friendly people whom have historically made a living from the sea. East Coast Counting by Newfoundland author and illustrator Dawn Baker is an early educational counting book that celebrates all things maritime as depicted through a beautiful backdrop of realistic illustrations synonymous with the picturesque beauty of the four Atlantic provinces. Simply written to accommodate the audience for which the book is intended, it is truly a feast for the eyes!

Inspired by the common bonds shared by the provinces in the Atlantic Bubble, Baker's early counting book, which focuses on numbers 0 to 12, portrays natural attractions, iconic symbols, and wildlife common to the area. From the Peggy's Cove lighthouse to the kayaks in the Bay of Fundy, from the Newfoundland Dog puppies to the warm sands of Cavendish Beach, young children will delight in counting the beautifully rendered images that Baker has created.  Though the book has a mostly maritime flavour, the author has also captured other landforms, flowers and native species that can be found in the inland areas of the various regions. The final page of "Twelve beautiful faces" smiling and saying "Hello" portrays multicultural characters that reminds us of the diversity that exists within the region.  Young readers and their adult caregivers will appreciate seeing themselves represented in such an inclusive manner.  

East Coast Counting is Dawn Baker's twelfth book published by Flanker Press. Exquisitely presented and full of detailed endnotes and tidbits of information, young readers and their families will be counting down to the day when they can visit the east coast in person.  

The Bullet ~ Stories From The Newfoundland Railway by Robert Hunt

Conceived in hope during the days of Colonial Government, the Newfoundland Railway survived 88 years and countless bureaucratic near misses before suffering its first blow in July 1969. With suspension of passenger service aboard the Newfie Bullet, the 20 year old CN Railway seemed to be doomed from the start and finally died in controversy in September 1988 with a payout from the Federal Government of Canada that promised to improve the provincial Newfoundland road system. And so, just like that, a remarkable era of Newfoundland history came to a grinding halt leaving a whole population of people in mourning. The Bullet ~ Stories From The Newfoundland Railway is a compilation of memories, stories and recollections that provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes operation of a struggling transportation service and the proud people who lived and died on the tracks.

The Bullet by Robert Hunt is the fifth book following a trilogy of memoirs and a book of short stories that details the life and times of growing up in St.John's, Newfoundland, "when many people barely survived on their income." Readers will be happy to know that Hunt opens this classic piece of Canadiana by detailing the historical context in which the Newfoundland Railway was born. History buffs will appreciate his comprehensive account of all the significant players who contributed to the success and eventual demise of the pre-Confederation railway. True to form, Hunt writes from the heart in recalling his love for the railway and the people whom he befriended. As I read the 20 plus stories Hunt gleaned from his own memories and various interviews with CN pensioners, I was smitten by the tenderness and admiration that he exuded during his recollections. Transported back in time to an era where chivalry was alive and well and youth respected their elders, Hunt's passion for the trains and respect for his father, the passengers and the people who worked the rails was clearly evident on every page of this book. Readers will also enjoy amusing side stories characteristic of the time. From train tragedies to transporting prisoners to travelling on the Trouters Special; it is easy to see why this iconic piece of history is still a great source of conversation in Newfoundland homes today. Most notably, however, I particularly enjoyed reading about how Hunt comes to meet and befriend Mr. Tommy Ricketts, a  respected Newfoundland soldier and Victoria Cross recipient. 

I loved my job. Every chance I got between meals I would find a spot in a coach or stand in between the coaches. I would look out at the scenery while the diesels and coaches zigzagged  across Newfoundland. With every mile we covered, the landscape was more breathtaking than the last. The rugged Newfoundland terrain could not be matched anywhere else in the world, I thought. You have to ride a train to truly understand and appreciate the experience. Sitting there as it rolls along, hearing the whistle blow, listening to the sounds of these powerful engines, is a pleasure in its own right. 

The Bullet ~ Stories From The Newfoundland Railway by Robert Hunt will transport you back in time with heartwarming stories of hard work, survival, and kindness. This piece of Canadiana is a must read for all Newfoundlanders and lovers of Canadian history. The Bullet is a Flanker Press publication. 

On This Day ~ 365 Tales of History, Mystery, and More by Dale Jarvis

Stories of lactating whales, spooky phenomenon raining blood on ship decks and scantily clad contortionists....what more could one expect from a rock isolated in the middle of the North Atlantic home to 500 000 people descended from English, Irish, French and Indigenous ancestors? Hearses for hire, fog so thick residents are lost for hours and a tavern owner who hosts meetings of the Newfoundland House of Assembly....such are the weird and wonky stories, tantalizing tidbits of trivia, to be found in Dale Jarvis' newest book by Flanker Press On This Day ~ 365 Tales of History, Mystery and More.

On This Day is a day by day record of fun facts from the 16th century all the way to present day. Researched and compiled by folklorist and storyteller Dale Jarvis, history buffs and lovers of all things Newfoundland will delight in the strange but true stories gleaned from archived copies of the Evening Telegram and other sources of provincial records. Jarvis does a superb job at highlighting the unique characteristics of the people Newfoundland has become known for. Turnip vandals, an insane fisherman, and pea-blowing nuisances are just some of the  fun characters and crazy antics that Jarvis delights in sharing with his readers. An easy to read, coffee table book, this fun and entertaining piece of Canadiana is a great way to start your day or an enjoyable gift for all those expat Newfoundlanders living abroad who crave a little dose of home.

On This Day ~ 365 Tales of History, Mystery, and More is a Flanker Press publication. Other books by Dale Jarvis can be viewed here.

In Search of Adventure ~ 70 Years of The Royal Canadian Mounted Police In Newfoundland and Labrador by Helen C. Escott

It all started on March 21, 1949 with the dispatch of nine Mounties. Arriving on our shores to establish a presence in Canada’s newest province, Newfoundland, these freshly minted officers had a huge task ahead of them. Not only were they required to establish a divisional headquarters in the capital city and to enforce federal law within the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador with the exception of St. John’s, they were also charged with absorbing the existing law enforcement agencies that had previously operated on the island when it was an independent colony. With the absorption of  the Newfoundland Rangers and the Newfoundland Constabulary in 1950, the contract policing history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police began in this province. In Search Of Adventure ~ 70 Years of The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador is an epic piece of Canadiana that chronicles the personal and professional lives of veteran officers and civilians of the RCMP who dedicated themselves to serving the coastal communities and towns of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

In Search of Adventure is author, Helen C. Escott’s,  fourth book which was written on the heels of two best selling crime thriller novels, Operation Wormwood and Operation Vanished, as well as blog-turned-book I Am Funny Like That. As a retired civilian member of the RCMP herself, there is no better author who could commemorate the service of police officers in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador than the accomplished Helen C. Escott. Two years in the making, the research conducted by Escott is neatly packaged into a 303 page paperback, chronicling  conversations and interviews with over 70 RCMP veterans, civilians and wives whom Escott refers to as “the foundation of our organization”. Readers of this wonderful collection of stories will be intrigued by the unique history of policing within our province. From the early days of the non-uniformed Newfoundland Rangers who chased speeders in a taxi to officers that had close encounters with unidentified flying objects and those who provided sage advice to constipated callers, law enforcement was not for the faint of heart or for those who were looking for routine work. The compassion and dedication required to be an effective member of law enforcement is also highlighted time and time again. From officers that go above and beyond their duties by serving lunch at their home to a couple who had been involved in an accident, to wives of officers who were stationed in remote locations and sat up all night guarding arrested individuals detained at their homes, members did what needed to be done to serve the people in their communities. And of course, no commemoration would be complete without recognizing the efforts and telling the stories of both members and civilians during the historic Badger Riot and 9/11. Though each of the stories was interesting, fascinating and, many times, humorous or sad, readers will be particularly struck by the pride, camaraderie and sense of accomplishment expressed by each veteran who served with the RCMP. 

  “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” 

Sir Winston Churchill

        (quoted by ret. Diane Butler of “B” Division Headquarters)

Helen C. Escott has done a remarkable job at capturing the stories of these brave and humble men and women while at the same time making a great contribution to the unique history of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police within Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a wonderful piece of Canadiana that will be enjoyed by both law enforcement personnel and civilians alike and will leave readers with an incredible appreciation for the men and women on our frontlines. In Search Of Adventure ~ 70 Years of The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador is a Flanker Press publication.