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The Span o' Life A Tale of Louisbourg & Quebec   By:

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In "The Span o' Life", William McLennan takes readers on an engaging journey through the captivating historical settings of Louisbourg and Quebec. Set against the backdrop of early Canadian colonization and the ever-present threat of war, this tale explores the resilience, courage, and enduring spirit of its characters.

The narrative follows a diverse cast of individuals, each with their own unique experiences and contributions to the turbulent times they find themselves in. From the humblest of French settlers to the highest-ranking military figures, McLennan masterfully weaves their stories together, offering a comprehensive and multifaceted look into life during this period.

One of the strengths of this book lies in the meticulous historical research evident on every page. The author's attention to detail is commendable, bringing to life the authentic atmosphere of Louisbourg and Quebec in the mid-18th century. The descriptions are vivid, providing readers with a vivid sense of the challenges faced by the settlers, the beauty of the landscapes, and the tensions that defined the era.

Moreover, McLennan does an excellent job of imbuing his characters with depth and complexity. They are not mere archetypes, but fully fleshed-out individuals with their own motivations and aspirations. As their lives become intertwined, the reader becomes emotionally invested in their struggles, triumphs, and losses. Whether it is the stoic resilience of a soldier or the quiet determination of a merchant, each character's journey is poignant and relatable.

However, despite these strengths, the book does suffer from occasional pacing issues. While the historical context and detailed descriptions add depth, at times they slow down the narrative's progression. Some sections might benefit from a tighter focus, ensuring a consistent rhythm that maintains the reader's engagement.

Nevertheless, "The Span o' Life" remains an enthralling historical novel that expertly captures a vibrant period in Canadian history. McLennan's writing is eloquent and evocative, transporting readers to another time and place, while his characters resonate long after the final page. In this tale of grand adventure, love, and loss, the author reminds us of the enduring human spirit and the power of our collective histories.

First Page:

THE SPAN O' LIFE

THE SPAN O' LIFE A Tale of Louisbourg & Quebec

By WILLIAM McLENNAN and J. N. McILWRAITH Illustrations by F. de Myrbach

The span o' Life's nae lang eneugh, Nor deep eneugh the sea, Nor braid eneugh this weary warld To part my Love frae me

NEW YORK AND LONDON: HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS

TORONTO: THE COPP, CLARK COMPANY, LIMITED

Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year 1899, by Harper & Brothers, at the Department of Agriculture.

Copyright, 1899, by HARPER & BROTHERS.

All rights reserved.

PREFACE

The reader familiar with the amusing memoirs of the Chevalier Johnstone will recognise in how far Maxwell was suggested thereby; if he be equally familiar with the detail of Canadian history of the period he will have little difficulty in discovering the originals of Sarennes and some of the secondary characters, and, in the Epilogue, the legend of the death of the celebrated missionary, le R. P. Jean Baptiste de la Brosse. But while the experience of some actual man or woman has suggested a type to be portrayed, it is only as a type, and with no intention of representing the individual in the character of the story. Nor is the attempt to set forth the respective attitude of the Canadian and the old country Frenchman to be read as a personal expression of the authors', but as their conception of an unfortunate condition between colonist and official that obtained as fully in Canada as it did between the same classes in the English colonies... Continue reading book >>




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