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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 stars. I loved this book. I really need to start a rating system upon which to base my stars ... Writing style, content, story ... I'm pretty random about my stars and I suspect most others are as well which makes the whole star thing pretty pointless. Anyway, I digress.
I loved the vast, sweeping context of this book - as dramatic and beautiful as Newfoundland itself. The rich and full language fed my soul - the description of the angst of Newfoundlanders leaving and returning home; of the identity of nationhood and the decision to join confederation that almost ripped the country apart; of crushing poverty and survival. I enjoyed getting to know Joey Smallwood and the real-life personality idiosyncrasies that defined him, and the tidbits that are purely historical fiction entertainment. (Wouldn't it be delightful if Fielding was real? I would love to know that one of our country's founding fathers had that kind of unrequited love.)
I loved the vast, sweeping context of this book - as dramatic and beautiful as Newfoundland itself. The rich and full language fed my soul - the description of the angst of Newfoundlanders leaving and returning home; of the identity of nationhood and the decision to join confederation that almost ripped the country apart; of crushing poverty and survival. I enjoyed getting to know Joey Smallwood and the real-life personality idiosyncrasies that defined him, and the tidbits that are purely historical fiction entertainment. (Wouldn't it be delightful if Fielding was real? I would love to know that one of our country's founding fathers had that kind of unrequited love.)
This is possibly the best book I have ever read. A complex, witty, sometimes whimsical, story that takes Joey Smallwood from poor boy to unsuccessful journalist to the Premier who lead Newfoundland to join the Canadian confederation. the tale is carefully and cleverly constructed using the fictional, and very funny, journalist Shelagh Fielding as his muse.
The story of Smallwood and the corrupt and ramshackle independent Newfoundland is amusing, moving and inspiring. through the cynicism , the story shows how the uncharismatic, ill-advised Smallwood achieves hos dream of power and then fails to deliver his dreams but finds his humanity.
The story of Smallwood and the corrupt and ramshackle independent Newfoundland is amusing, moving and inspiring. through the cynicism , the story shows how the uncharismatic, ill-advised Smallwood achieves hos dream of power and then fails to deliver his dreams but finds his humanity.
I love novels about the Maritimes, they have such a sense of home for me.
Johnston did a great job of putting you in St. John's in the early 20th century. This book will likely appeal more to people familiar with the politics and geography of Newfoundland, but its an intriguing read for anyone interested in historical fiction.
I almost gave up on The Colony of Unrequited Dreams several times. Parts of it were interesting but far too many parts weren't. Lots of scenery describing and politics I had no interest in. I more or less skipped my way to the end. Disappointing.
I liked the setting, characters, humor, history--but too long. By the last third I was skimming his parts, and focusing more on hers',
I little sad at time, this book has one of history's most pathetic heroes, but it is a phenomenal read.
"That's why there'll always be newspaper jobs. No one else wants them."
"... it was my daily task to convince blacks whose ancestors had been brought to America in slave ships that the election of thirty-seven white presidents in a row was no cause for them to do something cynical like refuse to vote."
"... it was my daily task to convince blacks whose ancestors had been brought to America in slave ships that the election of thirty-seven white presidents in a row was no cause for them to do something cynical like refuse to vote."
I liked this book until the end, when it just seemed rushed and over too fast, compared to the pace of the rest of the novel. Still a worthwhile read, however.