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Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Our Homesick Songs by Emma Hooper

 Devastated by the loss of the fishing industry, the folks of the small Newfoundland village of Big Running gradually abandoned their homes to find work elsewhere.  The Connors, however, have hung on, trying to wait for the cod to return to their waters.  Our Homesick Songs is a beautiful tale of  tradition, the power of songs, and mythic family stories.  Loved it.

The above paragraph is from a short mention I made of this book on my other blog, and I intended to write a longer review here, but really, that paragraph encapsulates my feelings.


The writing style is a little unusual, but it doesn't take long to adjust and become part of the story.  Hooper's style works beautifully, almost melodically.  
The characters are wonderful--all of them, but Finn and Cora are especially inspiring for their faith in a future they go about working for in different ways.

I savored the experience of reading this magical and ultimately hopeful tale of a vanishing way of life and the struggles to hold on.  It is one of my favorite books this year.


Highly Recommended.


Read in May; blog review scheduled for July 31.


NetGalley/Simon & Schuster


Literary Fiction.  August 14, 2018.  Print length:  336 pages.


12 comments:

  1. I love that cover. Is it symbolic to the story? I'll watch for this one.

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    1. Yes, there is a lot going on beneath the surface. :)

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  2. Wow. your favorite book of the year is quite an endorsement. I'll have to remember this one.

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  3. That is an endorsement! This bookish gem is going at the top of my TBR list. :D

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  4. Will have to check it out since you highly recommended it. :)

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    1. I hope you do give it a try, Melody. It was a delightful and unexpected experience.

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  5. I don't know if this is entirely m cup of tea, but I can see why you enjoyed it.

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    1. :) No book appeals to everyone, but this was such an unanticipated pleasure for me.

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  6. Love this cover. Doesn't seem like something I'd be interested in, but looks pretty good nonetheless.

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  7. Now this is something quite different from most of the books that I seem to be reading lately and I like the sound of it. I cannot imagine what life must be like in villages like this one where the way of life is not sustainable and yet there always will be those who try to keep tradition going.

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