This story is much more than an outstanding debut novel by TP Wood, published by Mosaic Press. This fictional novel is a tribute to the beauty of the Inuit culture, a romance of sorts, a mystery, coming of age, action/adventure and a compelling read that, for me, defied all typical genres.
The author, TP Wood, graduated with an honours degree in English and History and put both to grand use within these pages. The language used throughout made this a compelling and beautiful read, even when some of the words were beyond my comprehension. The poetic linguistics seen throughout kept this story moving quickly and mixed wonderful English words with those native to Inuit, defined at the end.
Chuylin is the main character, an Inuit “orphan girl” who tries with great effort to ignore her shamanic roots. Being picked on at a young age for her grandmother (Aanaq) practicing shamanic behaviour, she relies on a cousin to protect her while she tries to prevent her own wings from growing. Told she will need to fly like her tuurngaq, the Raven, she purposely tries to clip her wings, ignore all signs and simply follow her heart into archaeology and away from her home in Pangnirtung, Nunavut.
Not your typical romance story though there is a lot of love seen throughout. For me, I would have loved to see one defined love story with Chuylin though her relationship left hope that there would be another meet and more to that story. There was a lot of light and dark throughout the story, all reflecting a sense of a wonderful contrast we can all relate to.
There were so many layers to this and the mystery was what will be ever-lasting for me. It’s insights into Inuit culture, the history we try to bury in the name and excuse of progress, and money-hungry corporations who ignore the power of energy itself. The story starts off by introducing us to The Foundlings, setting the course for a wild read and educational adventure.
The fast-paced plot covers many years while not being distracting or confusing. The reader grows with Chuylin throughout her school years, through university and beyond into the professional world where she is highly respected and sought after. Her curiosity always wins out for the outside world of suspense but it’s not until she lets go of her own misgivings about her internal world do things change and start to make sense.
As easily as I could argue this book into many genres, I could defend its right to be a stand-alone, much like the main character who, come to find out, is not a little orphan girl at all.
TP Wood graduated from McMaster University with an honours degree in English and History. He has been an editor for three weekly newspapers and two corporate publications, has written executive speeches, screenplays, and 30 years of private journals. He is an active member of the Canadian Authors Association and his poetry has been published in the Niagara Poetry Anthology, The Banister and Gravitas. This is his first novel. He lived in Welland, Ontario and is visiting Nova Scotia.
- Publisher : Mosaic Press (May 1 2023)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 300 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1771616849
- ISBN-13 : 978-1771616843
I am a struggling artist, a challenging and challenged mother who always thinks she is failing, an emerging freelance writer and reporter, an author with my name on several books crossing genres and always hoping to find more readers who enjoy them.
I am also a successful artist, a wonderful and thriving mother of one, a reacher towards both people and dreams despite all of the turned backs and obstacles in my way. I am a thriving freelance writer and reporter, an author loved by enough readers to make it worthwhile and a discombobulated conundrum who loves to hear new music, tell new tales and meet new authors. And I’m doing something I always dreamed of doing – reviewing books to support others as well as myself and my family.
- Sarah Butlandhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/sarah-butland/
- Sarah Butlandhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/sarah-butland/
- Sarah Butlandhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/sarah-butland/
- Sarah Butlandhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/sarah-butland/
- Sarah Butlandhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/sarah-butland/
- Sarah Butlandhttps://miramichireader.ca/author/sarah-butland/
Finished 77 North the novel grabs you from the beginning I enjoyed learning about the Inuit Heritage and the description of the landscape was brilliant. It got a little dry for me in the middle but the ending was great getting back to the heritage and people of the North. Impressive debut novel. 😊