The Heaviness of Things That Float
Book - 2016
"Jennifer Manuel skilfully depicts the lonely world of Bernadette, a woman who has spent the last forty years living alone on the periphery of a remote West Coast First Nations reserve, serving as a nurse for the community. Only weeks from retirement, Bernadette finds herself unsettled, with no immediate family of her own. And then a shocking announcement crackles over the VHF radio of the remote medical outpost: Chase Charlie, the young man that Bernadette loves like a son, is missing."--Provided by publisher.
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Publisher:
Madeira Park, BC :, Douglas & McIntyre,, [2016]
Copyright Date:
©2016
ISBN:
9781771620871
Branch Call Number:
F MAN
Characteristics:
292 pages ; 23 cm
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Quotes
Add a QuoteNan Lily straightened her sweater and clasped her hands on her lap. "What does it matter if you know who she is?"
"It just feels like people should know who she was."
"But what does it matter if YOU know?"
"Maybe I'll understand things better."
"Like what?" Nan Lily asked.
"I don't know. Life."
"Because you think her story is your story."
I stared at Nan Lily.
"It is good that you try to know her," she said. "Because then you might know some of her truths."
I nodded.
"But you cannot know her. Not fully," she said. "And it is dangerous to ever think you can. Because then you will mistake your own truths for hers."
Comment
Add a CommentAfter forty years as a community nurse in a remote First Nation village on the BC coast, Bernadette struggles with her impending retirement and examines the relationships she has had over the years. Though filled with tragedy, it is a well-written and engaging story.
Yes, it certainly is a beautiful book. I am on about, page 95 so will start there when I can borrow it again. Must return it in the morning.