The Place

by Gary Collins

Award-winning author Gary Collins

“One of Canada's master storytellers" — Miramichi Reader

In a small, isolated outport on the northeast coast of Newfoundland toward the end of the nineteenth century—where nothing of note ever seems to happen—a woman is brutally attacked, and a murder-suicide is committed. The age-old rift between young lovers of different religions becomes a challenge, one which is met head-on, and though it is overcome in a physical sense, it carries severe emotional consequences. A woman's successful manipulation leads to an untimely death and a lifetime of hatred.

Read about a time long ago, when lamplight bent its glow through single panes of windows upon gravel paths—when men worked hard, and women harder. From the peaceful waters of Newfoundland, sail away with the boys to the war in Suvla Bay—and fight there with the men. Survive on food that you caught, grew, and hunted. Live in a home carried out of the forest on your shoulder and built by your own hand. And learn why, despite the toil, the loneliness, the unchanging way of life, and the many hardships, even those who sailed away from the Place never left for good.

225 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2019

About the author

Gary Collins was born in Hare Bay, Bonavista North. He spent forty years in the logging and sawmilling business with his father, Theophilus, and son Clint. Gary was once Newfoundland's youngest fisheries guardian. He managed log drives down spring rivers for years, spent seven seasons driving tractor-trailers over ice roads and the Beaufort Sea of Canada's Western Arctic, and has been involved in the crab, lobster, and cod commercial fisheries. In 2016, he joined the Canadian Rangers.

Gary's writing career began when he was asked to write eulogies for deceased friends and family. Now a critically acclaimed author, he has written twelve books, including the children's illustrated book What Colour is the Ocean?, which he co-wrote with his granddaughter, Maggie Rose Parsons. That book won an Atlantic Book Award: The Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration. His book Mattie Mitchell: Newfoundland's Greatest Frontiersman has been adapted for film. His first novel, The Last Beothuk, won the inaugural NL Reads literary competition, administered by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Gary Collins is Newfoundland and Labrador's favourite storyteller, and today he is known all over the province as "the Story Man." His favourite pastimes are reading, writing, and playing guitar at his log cabin. He lives in Hare Bay, Newfoundland, with his wife, the former Rose Gill. They have three children and three grandchildren

Reviews

[James Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prequel to The Crackie, The Place is another well-executed Newfoundland novel from one of my favourite living authors. His writing style and story-telling abilities are spell-binding and I read this cover to cover in a few hours. If you've already read The Crackie, then this will fill in some details for you, nevertheless, I still recommend reading it, for maybe, just maybe, there might be a sequel? Full review here: bit.ly/ThePlaceReview

[Linda Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another awesome book by Gary Collins!

[Susan Arra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it and looking forward to reading more from Gary Collins!!
Bought in St. John’s on Saturday and finished reading in my travels home on Sunday!!!

[Ida Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, the format, the writing, the story itself. The Place is where we all come from, where we call home, and is dear to our hearts. The ties to The Crackie were wonderfully set on the table before us. I totally enjoyed the read.

[Harold Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

See complete review at the following link:

https://www.thepacket.ca/lifestyles/r...