Our Homesick Songs |
The
Connors live in Big Running, Newfoundland where, for generations, people have
lived by the ebb and flow of the cod fishery.
The sea is their lifeblood. Emma
Hooper masterfully depicts the culture of small town Newfoundland in Our
Homesick Songs.
Parents
Aidan and Martha can remember when fishing nets used to come up from the depths
overflowing with fish, and when the village fishing boats were laden to the
gills. They
also remember the first time a net came up only half full. Now, it’s 1993 and all the fish are gone –
completely. The town of Big Running has
been slowly depleted until only six houses are still occupied.
Desperate
to maintain their deep connection to home, Aidan and Martha come up with a plan
to take turns working out of town. They
go where everyone else does – to the oil patch in Alberta – convincing
themselves that this family separation is their only hope.
But
fourteen-year-old Cora and ten-year-old Finn feel each parent’s absence
keenly. Each comes up with their own
plan to save the family. Strong-headed
Cora decides she must earn her own money in a way that will divide the family
even further. But Finn, steeped in the
magic of Big Running, decides he has no other choice but to call the fish back,
and devises an elaborate scheme to do so.
This
part of the story is interspersed with tales from the past. Hooper tells of Aidan and Martha in the 1970s
as they meet and fall in love. Life in
Big Running at that time is full in every way.
There are plenty of people in town and still plenty of fish in the
sea. No one can imagine that their
robust way of life can ever end.
Contrast
this with the yearning and desperation of the Connors in 1993, as they cling to
a lifestyle that is quickly disappearing.
Our
Homesick Songs
is filled with the mysticism, stories and music of Newfoundland. Hooper’s writing is lyrical and poetic. But
her biggest triumph is her depiction of a family that must make some very hard
choices, but continues to love each other unconditionally.
Highly
recommended!
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ReplyDelete"Emma Hooper's 'Our Homesick Songs' beautifully captures the poignant tale of the Connors, echoing the heartache of a community tethered to a vanishing way of life. Through rich storytelling, Hooper intertwines past and present, evoking both nostalgia and hope. The resilience of the characters, especially Cora and Finn, resonates deeply, making this a compelling read. With vivid imagery and emotional depth, Hooper masterfully portrays the essence of small-town Newfoundland, leaving readers captivated from start to finish."
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ReplyDeleteThe story of the Connors in Our Homesick Songs is a powerful reflection of how deeply a community’s identity is tied to its environment, especially when that identity is threatened. In times of hardship, the need for comfort and a sense of home becomes even stronger. For me, that sense of comfort can sometimes be found in small pleasures—like a Sonic Drive-In meal. Whether it's a classic Sonic burger, crispy tater tots, or a refreshing drink from their unique slush menu, the simple joy of indulging in familiar food can bring a little warmth and nostalgia, much like the memories that the Connors hold dear in their home of Big Running. When the world feels uncertain, sometimes it's the small, familiar things that remind us of what we're fighting for.
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