Very interesting tale of the hard scrabble existence in Newfoundland in the 18th and 19th centuries, tracing the life of Joe Smallwood who goes from poverty and low class to become the prime minister of Newfoundland. It also tells of his "romance" with Sheilagh traces their life spans together. Too much politics for me, but of course, I enjoyed the stories of the seal hunts and the troubles of a new impoverished counter. The writing style is good and the comedy is really good.
a history, a love story, the journey of two people in the backdrop of Newfoundland
The parts I read were rather cold (as in freezing) and gloomy.
If you've lived in, or like, Newfoundland, this book is for you. Biographical novel of first Prime Minister of Newfoundland, a Socialist who was instrumental in effecting change from British Colony to a province of Canada.
An epic portrait of passion and ambition set against the beautiful, brutal landscape of Newfoundland, The Colony of Unrequited Dreams describes the rise of Joey Smallwood, who claws his way up from poverty to become Newfoundland's first premier. Smallwood's fate is inextricable linked with that of his tart-tongued childhood rival and soul mate Sheilagh Fielding, who becomes a brilliant and popular satirist of Smallwood's career. Their unconventional romance ranges from small Canadian fishing towns to New York City, from the harrowing ice floes of the seal hunt to the lavish drawing rooms of colonial governors. And as the decades pass, and Smallwood's successes and failures shape Newfoundland's emergine political destiny, these two characters must confront their frailties and secrets, and their mutual, if doomed, love.
interesting story and characters.
