Friday, April 23, 2010

Friday Finds: The Last River Child by Lori Ann Bloomfield

The Last River Child by Lori Ann Bloomfield

In the summer of 1900, a meteorite lands on the day of Peg Staynor''s baptism, barely missing the small church in rural Ontario. This, along with Peg''s almost colorless eyes, is enough to resurrect a local superstition that will haunt Peg and her family for years. Many believe Peg to be a "river child," taken over by an evil spirit from the Magurvey River that winds its way through the town.

Feared and shunned throughout her childhood, Peg is blamed for every misfortune, from drought to ailing livestock. When her mother, her fiercest protector, dies suddenly on the same day WWI is declared, young Peg must face not only the mistrust of the villagers, but of her father. His grief has driven him to take solace in drink and old superstition, leaving Peg with only her head-strong older sister, Sarah, for support. It will take the terrible reality of World War I to shake off the grip of old world beliefs. As the town''s young men begin to return mentally and physically damaged, or not return at all, the sheltered atmosphere of the town is broken. A bright flame of change will sweep through everyone''s lives, leading Peg into the future.


http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7286540-last-river-child

10 comments:

serendipity_viv said...

I keep seeing this one around and I know I want to read it.

Serena said...

Sounds like a good book. I'm looking forward to your National Poetry Month post today!

bermudaonion said...

This is on my wish list, too!

Jack said...

Gautami,

Visited this space too. Read most of the current posts. Nice reviews. Good poem posted today. I agree with all on Earth Day post.

Take care

Alayne said...

I'm definitely looking this one up! Great pick. My find is at The Crowded Leaf.

Cat said...

First time I've seen it and it sounds exactly the sort of thing I'd like.

Great find!

Alyce said...

I've seen this one around and think it might be too dark for me. I look forward to seeing what you think of it though.

Mishel (P.S. I Love Books) said...

I really like the cover of this one!!

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

I like the sound of this and the cover is great as well; good find!

DelGal Reviews said...

quite interesting find - wouldn't mind reading that :)