Life in the Backwoods   By: Susanna Moodie (1803-1885)

In "Life in the Backwoods" by Susanna Moodie, readers are transported to the untamed wilderness of early nineteenth-century Canada. Told through the eyes of an English settler and her family, this memoir provides a fascinating insight into the challenges and triumphs of colonization.

Moodie's writing style is vivid and descriptive, painting a detailed picture of the backwoods landscape and the hardships faced by the pioneers. Her ability to convey the rustic charm and raw beauty of the Canadian wilderness is truly remarkable. From the dense forests and bustling wildlife to the harsh winters and constant struggles for survival, she immerses the reader in the daily realities of frontier life.

One of the book's strengths is Moodie's portrayal of the settlers themselves. Through candid anecdotes and personal reflections, she introduces us to a diverse cast of characters, each with their own stories and motivations for leaving their homelands. As she navigates the complexities of building a new community, Moodie grapples with her own conflicting emotions, torn between nostalgia for her English roots and the opportunities available in Canada.

Moreover, "Life in the Backwoods" offers a thought-provoking examination of the relationship between humans and nature. While the settlers are awed by the vastness of their surroundings, they also come face to face with the unforgiving power of the wilderness. Moodie highlights the inherent struggle for domination over the land, raising important questions about our role in the natural world and our responsibility towards its preservation.

However, at times the book can feel slightly repetitive, with certain themes and events revisited multiple times. Additionally, Moodie's perspectives and tone may be off-putting to some readers as her portrayal of the indigenous peoples often perpetuates harmful stereotypes prevalent at the time.

Nonetheless, "Life in the Backwoods" remains an important historical document, shedding light on the early challenges of Canadian settlement and the resilience of the pioneering spirit. Susanna Moodie's rich descriptions and personal anecdotes make this memoir a captivating read for anyone interested in early Canadian history or the human experience of life on the frontier.

First Page:

CHAPTER I. A Journey to the Woods Corduroy Roads No Ghosts in Canada CHAPTER II. The Wilderness and our Indian Friends The House on Fire No Papoose; the Mother all alone CHAPTER III. Running the Fallow A Wall of Fire "But God can save us yet." CHAPTER IV. Our Logging Bee "Och! my ould granny taught me." Signal Mercies CHAPTER V. A Trip to Stony Lake A Feast in an Outhouse The Squatter's Log Hut CHAPTER VI. Disappointed Hopes Milk, Bread and Potatoes our only Fare The Deer Hunt CHAPTER VII. The Little Stumpy Man Hiding from the Sheriff An ill natured volunteer CHAPTER VIII. The Fire "Oh, dear Mamma, do save Papa's Flute" "No time to be clane!" CHAPTER IX. The Outbreak Moodie joins the Volunteers "Scribblin' and Scrabblin' when you should be in bed" CHAPTER X. The Whirlwind Two Miles of Trees Levelled to the Ground Sick Children CHAPTER XI... Continue reading book >>