ISBN: 9781927396001
Published: March 2012
Published by: A Passionate Pen
Trade Paperback, 268 pages
Book Description:
This book documents the strong ties that bind generations. When the author poses the question to her Irish granny, "If you were so poor why did you have ten children?" Says she: "To be sure, there was no poverty between the sheets!" This sassy sage of a large family that is half Irish and half French Canadian captures hilarious voices and comical antics of a vibrant family that is cloaked in love. A horse theme and song lyrics are neatly knitted throughout the layers of generations.
My Review:
Reviewed by Sandra Olshaski
There are many parts of this memoir that are funny, not the least of which are the chapter titles.
And the author's love for her extended Irish-French shines through loud and clear, from the variety of family pictures to the often amusing anecdotes, one of which forms the book's title. When asked why she had so many children, despite being poor, the author's Irish grandmother replied, "to be certain, there was no poverty between the sheets!"
There are many parts of this memoir that are funny, not the least of which are the chapter titles.
And the author's love for her extended Irish-French shines through loud and clear, from the variety of family pictures to the often amusing anecdotes, one of which forms the book's title. When asked why she had so many children, despite being poor, the author's Irish grandmother replied, "to be certain, there was no poverty between the sheets!"
I learned some interesting history of Ontario, Ireland and Quebec. And, despite living in the province of Quebec for many years, I didn't know that the word "tuxon" is a French slang word for 'a robust little man" in reference to a baby/toddler.
I took exception to the fact that there were a number of misspellings/typos, too many to ignore. Because words matter to me I found these mistakes distracting. Also, I couldn't figure out why the author included the entire "The Cremation of Sam McGee" poem - all of it!
The writing is earthy. While I saw only 1 f-bomb, the writing is somewhat rough and common.
On the other hand, the memoir portrays the strong ties that bind many families past and present. And that's a good thing!
Note: This book is rated PG 13.
To read more reviews, please visit Pauline Kiely's page on iRead Book Tours
Pauline Kiely has been an avid student of Creative Writing her entire life. This author has consistently taken various courses and workshops offered at University of Toronto and Trent Universities. A year long memoir course with Susan Reynolds brought out this witty honest voice that shoots straight from the hip aiming for the heart.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: Thanks to Laura Fabiani from iRead Book Tours for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
To read more reviews, please visit Pauline Kiely's page on iRead Book Tours
Where to buy the book:
Author's Bio:
Pauline Kiely has been an avid student of Creative Writing her entire life. This author has consistently taken various courses and workshops offered at University of Toronto and Trent Universities. A year long memoir course with Susan Reynolds brought out this witty honest voice that shoots straight from the hip aiming for the heart.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
And now for the Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: Thanks to Laura Fabiani from iRead Book Tours for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
Post a Comment
Thank you for commenting! I appreciate your feedback.