- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Penguin Canada (APB) (May 4 2000)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0140285164
- ISBN-13: 978-0140285161
- Product Dimensions: 21.3 x 14 x 2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 227 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #349,146 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Amazon
Isobel Gunn, Audrey Thomas's eighth novel, is the heart-rending tale of a poor Orkney woman who tries to escape her tragic family circumstances by disguising herself as a man and running away to work for the Hudson's Bay Company in northern Canada. Her deception is uncovered when she gives birth to a son. Quickly deported back to Orkney, Isobel dies over half a century later still awaiting her son's return. Like many of Thomas's fictions, this work revolves around lost children, in this case more explicitly than in most. A number of them surface in this novel, not least a remote descendant of Isobel's, killed in the battle of Scapa Flow just near her final resting place. Such coincidences provide little consolation for the book's characters, including Magnus Inkster, the clergyman narrator, who finds his faith coming unstuck as he contemplates Isobel's misfortunes and begins to doubt the author-like schemes of his god.
Isobel Gunn is a more seamless, less self-conscious narrative than much of Thomas's work. Having her male narrator tell his own tale allows her to withdraw from the distanced, meta-critical voice familiar to readers of her other books. The commentary is still there, but subtler and more nuanced, which should help Isobel Gunn garner Thomas a wider audience and the recognition she deserves. --Robyn Gillam
Book Description
In 1806 a man and signs on with the Company of Adventurers to work in what was then called Rupert's Land. Under her false name she works 'willingly and well' until December 29, 1807, when she is discovered about to give birth.
Based loosely on historical references, Isobel Gunn is a rich and evocative tale about an unusual woman. Beautifully crafted, richly detailed, this new novel is both a fascinating journey into the past and a profoundly affecting exploration of the territory of the human heart.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
good value,
By
This review is from: Isobel Gunn (Paperback)
This book was in great shape and was a great price. The book is very interesting in its description of life in early Manitoba.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Isobel Gunn-audio cassette version,
By
This review is from: Isobel Gunn (Paperback)
I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version. While it took a little bit to adjust to Duncan Fraser's Scottish brogue, he is a wonderful story teller. It was a fascinating story that also provided a bit of history on the fur trade. Thomas developed strong characters in Isobel Gunn and Magnus Inkster. For once I was happy to get in my car and drive the 100 km to the city!
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