1892

by Paul Butler

In 1892, critically acclaimed novelist Paul Butler plunges the reader into 19th century St. John’s, its light and its shade . . .

An obscure servant, Kathleen, yearns for her home in Ireland. A mysterious scientist, Dr. Glenwood, believes he can be the first to bring a new photographic discovery to the world. A stable hand, Tommy Fitzpatrick, battles inner demons as he tries to win Kathleen’s heart.

These collective struggles will soon erupt to change the fate of an entire city.

Longlisted for the 2009 ReLit Awards.

Genres: Historical Fiction

165 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2008

About the author

Paul Butler is the author of novels The Widow's Fire (In press, Inanna, 2017), The Good Doctor (2014), Titanic Ashes (2012), 1892 (2008), NaGeira (Pennywell Books, 2006), which appeared on one of the judge's (Donna Morrissey) Canada Reads shortlists, Easton's Gold (Brazen Books, 2005), Easton (Flanker Press, 2004), Stoker's Shadow (Flanker Press, 2003), short-listed for the 2004 Newfoundland and Labrador Book Awards, and The Surrogate Spirit, Jesperson Publishing (2000). The novels Easton, Easton's Gold and Nageira explore the apsects of the pre-colonial history of the New World. Butler has written for The Globe and Mail, The Beaver, Books in Canada, Atlantic Books Today and Canadian Geographic. He has contributed to CBC Radio regional and national. A graduate of Norman Jewison's Canadian Film Centre and screenwriter of the Archelon Films and Ontario Arts Council short film production, Solstice, Butler is a four-times winner (2003, 2004, 2006, 2008) in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Arts and Letters Awards.

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real rating 3.5

[Jerry Cranford · Rating 5 out of 5]

"1892 is a novel as intriguing as it is lyrical. Paul Butler is a great writer and a gifted storyteller." -- Donna Morrissey, author of Sylvanus Now

"1892 combines both lyrical writing and telling detail. It is a novel written by a sure and confident writer in his prime." -- The Chronicle-Herald

"[1892] is a page turner that will be enjoyed as romance, historical fiction and a chilling gothic tale." -- Atlantic Books Today

"The unanswered questions that will nag historians forever (like 'Who started the fire?') are answered amid the drama of a love story caught in tragic circumstances, making for a rich blend of fact and fantasy." -- Downhome

"[Paul Butler's] writing is lyrical and compelling." -- The Sudbury Star

"Beautifully written. . ." -- book-a-rama

"Butler's account of the fire's genesis is dramatic, but his descriptions of how people find themselves in old St. John's are persuasive and compelling." -- Resource Links

"Butler is adept at using historical events in his compelling story about the developing intimacy of two lower-class young people." -- Newfoundland and Labrador Studies

[Jerry Cranford · Rating 5 out of 5]

"1892 is a novel as intriguing as it is lyrical. Paul Butler is a great writer and a gifted storyteller." -- Donna Morrissey, author of Sylvanus Now

"1892 combines both lyrical writing and telling detail. It is a novel written by a sure and confident writer in his prime." -- The Chronicle-Herald

"[1892] is a page turner that will be enjoyed as romance, historical fiction and a chilling gothic tale." -- Atlantic Books Today

"The unanswered questions that will nag historians forever (like 'Who started the fire?') are answered amid the drama of a love story caught in tragic circumstances, making for a rich blend of fact and fantasy." -- Downhome

"[Paul Butler's] writing is lyrical and compelling." -- The Sudbury Star

"Beautifully written. . ." -- book-a-rama

"Butler's account of the fire's genesis is dramatic, but his descriptions of how people find themselves in old St. John's are persuasive and compelling." -- Resource Links

"Butler is adept at using historical events in his compelling story about the developing intimacy of two lower-class young people." -- Newfoundland and Labrador Studies

[Diane McGyver · Rating 3 out of 5]

1892 was a quick read. The story moved along well and certain elements throughout the novel connected the front with the middle with the end. The characters were believable and interesting but not extraordinary. I would classify this as a tragic love story. I was initially drawn to this book because my mother was born in Newfoundland and this story takes place in that province. I will certainly pass it onto to Mom to enjoy.

For a more extensive review, visit my blog: http://dianetibert.com/2012/06/06/boo...