Early Voices

Submitted by dmacdonell on Wed, 2010-03-31 23:54

Early Voices

Portraits of Canada by Women Writers, 1639-1914

By Mary Alice Downie; With Elizabeth Jane Errington; Edited by Barbara Robertson

978-1-55488-769-9
October 2010
316pp, Paperback
$28.99 CAD

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Early Voices is replete with intellectually provocative commentary on women’s experience of life in Canada.

Ontario History magazine

Some of the women writers were wealthy. Some were poor. Some wrote professional. Others kept journals. Together, they richly portray Canada’s geography and early culture.

Road Stories

… a splendid selection of the observations and experiences of twenty-nine women.

OHS Bulletin

During the holidays, there’s nothing better than settling down with a good read and a hot cocoa, or something stronger, while the snow falls softly outside. Such a treat calls for a special book, and Early Voices: Portraits of Canada by Women Writers, 1638-1914 is just the ticket.

Telegraph-Journal

The writings are often short but poignant, especially those which deal with the tough conditions in pioneer times.

The Kingston Whig Standard

This selection of writings by 29 women, known and unknown, professional and amateur, presents a unique portrait of Canada through time and space, from the 17th to the early 20th century, from the Maritimes to British Columbia and the Far North. There is a range of voices from high-born wives of governors general, to an Icelandic immigrant and a fisherman's wife in Labrador. A Loyalist wife and mother describes the first hard weather in New Brunswick, a seasick nun tells of a dangerous voyage out from France, a famous children's writer writes home about the fun of canoeing, and a German general's wife describes habitant customs. All demonstrate how women's experiences not only shared, but helped shape this new country.