Woman of Labrador

by Elizabeth Goudie

The life story of a pioneer woman of Labrador.

Genres: Memoir

166 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hardcover | 3.5 stars

I found this book while antiquing. Actually, Jay, my partner, saw it, and handed it to me. He knows I love stories of people living in the past in our neck of the woods. I especially love when they are about strong women carving a space for themselves in tough terrain.

This book was a simple depiction of a tough life of a trapper’s wife living in Labrador from 1902-1970. The writing is very straightforward and slightly dry, but it doesn’t need to be spectacular to have real meaning. These were lives lived in extreme conditions by real people. There is wisdom in the busy simple harshness of it all.

I adored it.

[Edie]

2/3 <3

[Wisewebwoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Book Club read and I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Her account of the struggles of living in the harsh interior of Labrador in the twenties and thirties while having babies year after year is harrowing. Her writing style is minimal but profoundly affecting and had me in tears periodically as she recounted the deaths of children and the difficulty of burying them in frozen ground.

An unforgiving trapping life with her husband gone to their traplines for many months of the year.

What I loved mostly was her joy in the simple things, her love of the landscape and enormous skies. even when she travelled in her later years she yearned for her Labrador.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful little book. Harsh life in Labrador in the 20s as a trapper's wife this recollection though primitive tells of hardship at it's most difficult. Yet Elizabeth Goudie was strong and content through all her years. It's a struggle few could endure and one must respect.

[Karen Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an authentic and moving description of life in remote and inaccessible Labrador in the first part of the twentieth century. Elizabeth Goudie had very little formal education but she manages to convey her love of the land, the hard work of bringing up a family on her own in the depth of winter, and many fascinating historical details of how life was lived far from modern conveniences. As difficult as her conditions were, she makes several references to First Nations people which indicate that their situation was far worse, and I wish she had addressed that more completely. But she has touched on many pieces of the history of Labrador and made us feel her sorrows and accomplishments. I am happy that she was recognized in her lifetime for the gift she has given us in the form of this book. I am only sorry I didn’t read this many years ago.

[Daniel Dumas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Goudie recounts the joys and struggles of a trapping family’s life in early twentieth-century Labrador. Travelling up and down the coast and inland to their traplines, this is a story of resilience and of pure grit. It’s a fascinating account of the changing social geography of Labrador, which underwent tremendous transformation with the construction of the Goose Bay military air base, which transitioned many trappers into wage labour. Elizabeth looks back on a life full of trials, tribulations, and triumphs. A wonderful read for anyone longing for the bush!

[Russell Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the writing of this book wasnt the greatest, the content was good. I loved marvelling at the hard labour simple survival entailed on coast of Labrador. It was interesting to see what has improved and also, what has still not changed! All in all, not a bad book. It kept me engaged tilll the last twenty pages.

[Dick Thies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells her life story starting in about 1900. She was a tough, intelligent, resourceful woman married to a Labrador trapper. The had a big family. The old times were a struggle to survive in various parts of Labrador. Life changed when a big airbase was built during ww2. Life was easier but maybe not as satisfying. Well worth reading.

[Emly Munt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowie what a treat to get to read this while I was traveling through Labrador! The stories Goudie shares are almost unbelievable. A wonderful read to understand the history of Labrador and trapping, but from a women's perspective.

[Melanie Bursey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simply written story about life for a trappers wife in the 1900s. It was a sorry but very enjoyable book

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perspective of a rural upbringing of a family, during challenging times, of the modern past. A history not too long ago.

[Kathryn Deinum · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a crazy story and sweet thoughtful lady !! Really enjoyed learning more about Labrador and the hard working people who lived there.

[Nell Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tough life in those days.

[Hayley Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute read! To learn some history of Labrador was so interesting! Absolutely loved this.

[Celine Doucette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars. Elizabeth Goudie wrote such a poignant memoir and piece of history. The hardships were so intertwined with her appreciation for nature and life that it showed how two things can be true at once - Life is hard AND beautiful. She was able to get this point across in few words. Her brief descriptions may not be for everyone, but to me it felt true. No embellishments needed for me to picture myself there with her. Elizabeth Goudie is an inspiring woman, and I am grateful she wrote this book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I read in 2025 hands down. Highly recommend. It’s on Libby.