The expulsion of the Acadians from their homes in Nova Scotia serves as another example of colonialism displacing an entire people. Through a deeply personal perspective, narrated by the author, whose family shares the same origins as those who were uprooted, the details of that period come to life. The first section focuses on the terrifying events that took place, including the scalping of a young boy by a drunken British captain and the rending of children from their parents. The rest of the story has a romance at its heart, as characters who were separated while they were shipped away seek each other over distance and time. The importance of maintaining the French language is just one important element in this tale. Based partly on the story of Glooscap the Trickster, the author documents the measures she took to ensure her portrayals of the Mi'kmaw People and their culture are accurate.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Brief descriptions of romantic lovemaking.
Other End Matter: Epilogue and explanatory notes titled “Fact Versus Fiction”
Images: b&w maps and two illustrations showing author's family tree
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Debra Amirault Camelin is an Acadian with ancestral roots in Nova Scotia. Her 2019 poetry collection, Light in the Mist, includes several poems highlighting her Acadian connections. She has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario and she currently lives in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

Debra Amirault Camelin's profile page

Selected by CBC as a young adult novel to read in spring 2023

"A riveting tale of hardship and triumph over desperate odds, the engaging characters pull the readers into a different time." - Historical Novel Society

"A gripping fictional account of the deportations from Nova Scotia that began in 1755." - Canadian Teacher Magazine

"Blends historical characters and facts with well-researched and imaginative fiction to give her young adult readers lots of Canadian history as well as adventure and romance. Recommended." - CM: Canadian Review of Materials

With lyrical and masterful storytelling Amirault Camelin seamlessly weaves fact and fiction drawing us deep into the lives, losses, and longings of her vivid characters. We are caught up in this sweeping tale, rooting for Nathalie Belliveau, a resilient and fascinating Canadian heroine. - Caroline Pignat, Governor General's Award Winner (2009 and 2015)

Overflowing with tragedy and romance, Camelin's stories-within-story expertly layer solid research into a compelling narrative.- Gabriele Goldstone, author of Crow Stone