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One Who Has Been Here Before
Contemporary Atlantic gothic fiction inspired by Nova Scotia's notorious Goler clan.
I move around the side of the house. There is a thick mass of shrubs on the north-east side. Juniper, and caragana gone wild. Without thinking, I pluck a flower and put it into my mouth, savouring the delicate yellowness of its flavour. Now when did I learn to do that? Who first put a caragana blossom on my tongue?
Emma G. Weaver easily loses herself in history. She's much more comfortable imagining the lives of the dead than getting involved with the living. She pushes down nagging questions about her own history, but when her Master's research leads her from her safe and comfortable life in Edmonton, Alberta, back to the south shore of Nova Scotia, those questions can't help but bubble to the surface. And Emma soon finds that the lives of the dead are inextricably linked to the lives of the living, that secrets don't stay hidden forever—and that everything changes when they come to light.
Inspired by the true story of the notorious Goler clan of Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, this work of contemporary Atlantic gothic fiction troubles the boundaries between myth and truth, villains and victims.
280 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 12, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and Nimbus Publishing Company for this absorbing fictional novel in return for an honest review. It richly evokes the small towns and inhabitants and the forests and woodlands of Nova Scotia. This was a beautifully written, sensitive portrayal of the repercussions of authorities removing children from their neglectful and impoverished parents and separating brothers, sisters, and cousins from each other.
This is a work of fiction inspired by the notorious Goler Clan who lived in isolation outside the university town of Wolfville in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. Police raided their compound in the forest in the mid-1980s, and 16 adults were arrested on charges of incest, sexual child abuse, and rape. There were about 136 charges in all. There had been over a century of inbreeding, and the men knew no other way of life. They were the victims of generations of isolation and incest, poverty, no education and isolation from the norms of society. They had little understanding of the charges against them when arrested. Many of the children attended school, filthy and poorly dressed, and their complaints about their abusive home life were largely ignored. Finally, a young teenaged girl was listened to at school, resulting in the police and child welfare being alerted.
Much of the factual story can be found by googling the Goler Clan. I read previously two books based on the case: the non-fiction 'On South Mountain' and a riveting work of fiction, 'Our Daily Bread.' Having grown up in Nova Scotia and worked in the area for a couple of years, I was unaware of the case until I read these books.
In this story, the family name has been changed to Gaugin, and the location is in the South Shore area of Nova Scotia. We aren't told any definite family connection with the Golers, but it does mention the raid on the Gaugin compound in 1991 was influenced by the 1985 arrests near Wolfville. Eight arrests were made on the charges of theft and drugs. The children were taken by child welfare for their protection. Emma was one of the filthy, neglected children separated from her family at a young age. The Gaugin children became wards of Child Welfare and were placed in foster homes and group homes. Some were adopted, and their names changed. Emma was lucky to be adopted by her caring foster family and moved to Alberta. She is studying for her Master's degree in anthropology. She intends to research the history of the Gaugin Clan for her thesis. Her name is now that of her adoptive parents, and she fears people in Nova Scotia will learn she was once a member of the Gaugin criminal family.
Emma has suffered anxiety attacks since early childhood. She now lives a life of comfort but worries about what happened to her siblings. She is uncomfortable in social situations and often blurts out crude and rude comments, a defence mechanism to keep people at a distance. Although her personality is understandable, it does not make her a particularly likeable protagonist.
On arrival in Nova Scotia, she introduces herself as a student from Alberta researching the Gaugin's history for her thesis. She stays at a Halifax hotel, venturing out by car to interview people who might have known the family before their dispersal. She visits the ruins of her old family home deep in the woods. She speculates that the Gaugins may have hidden there to escape the expulsion of the Acadians centuries before, but without proof. Her first interview is with a widower and painter, the husband of a woman who reported the 1991 raid on the Gaugin homestead. By coincidence, the couple was close to Em's sister after becoming too old for placement in another foster home. She had been placed in several foster homes but never adopted. They guided the older teenager with affection and understanding and cared for her despite some bad choices she made.
As a result of this interview, Emma meets her sister, Heather, who is married with children and goes by her husband's last name. Despite a harder upbringing, Heather seems to be better adjusted and has put the past behind her. Em has read in the archives a gossipy old diary where the writer suggests in the 1800s a Gaugin may have married his sister. This sends Emma into more anxiety attacks and a state of anger. Heather urges Em not to dwell on the past. Heather invites Em to a dinner party where she will meet her biological mother. The artist who put the sisters in touch will also be there and Heather's husband and children. True to form, Emma, blurts out a comment offensive to everyone. Heather has long reconciled with their mother, but it is not in Emma's nature to do so. She has also been secretive and offended a man who seems to love her despite her flaws.
Her research finished, she heads back to her Alberta home after learning a lot about herself and forgiveness. She has become a better person and plans to defend her thesis and return to Nova Scotia to revisit new friends and old family. This was a well-written, compelling and painful psychological drama of poverty, family separation and hardships, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
This is a work of fiction inspired by the notorious Goler Clan who lived in isolation outside the university town of Wolfville in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. Police raided their compound in the forest in the mid-1980s, and 16 adults were arrested on charges of incest, sexual child abuse, and rape. There were about 136 charges in all. There had been over a century of inbreeding, and the men knew no other way of life. They were the victims of generations of isolation and incest, poverty, no education and isolation from the norms of society. They had little understanding of the charges against them when arrested. Many of the children attended school, filthy and poorly dressed, and their complaints about their abusive home life were largely ignored. Finally, a young teenaged girl was listened to at school, resulting in the police and child welfare being alerted.
Much of the factual story can be found by googling the Goler Clan. I read previously two books based on the case: the non-fiction 'On South Mountain' and a riveting work of fiction, 'Our Daily Bread.' Having grown up in Nova Scotia and worked in the area for a couple of years, I was unaware of the case until I read these books.
In this story, the family name has been changed to Gaugin, and the location is in the South Shore area of Nova Scotia. We aren't told any definite family connection with the Golers, but it does mention the raid on the Gaugin compound in 1991 was influenced by the 1985 arrests near Wolfville. Eight arrests were made on the charges of theft and drugs. The children were taken by child welfare for their protection. Emma was one of the filthy, neglected children separated from her family at a young age. The Gaugin children became wards of Child Welfare and were placed in foster homes and group homes. Some were adopted, and their names changed. Emma was lucky to be adopted by her caring foster family and moved to Alberta. She is studying for her Master's degree in anthropology. She intends to research the history of the Gaugin Clan for her thesis. Her name is now that of her adoptive parents, and she fears people in Nova Scotia will learn she was once a member of the Gaugin criminal family.
Emma has suffered anxiety attacks since early childhood. She now lives a life of comfort but worries about what happened to her siblings. She is uncomfortable in social situations and often blurts out crude and rude comments, a defence mechanism to keep people at a distance. Although her personality is understandable, it does not make her a particularly likeable protagonist.
On arrival in Nova Scotia, she introduces herself as a student from Alberta researching the Gaugin's history for her thesis. She stays at a Halifax hotel, venturing out by car to interview people who might have known the family before their dispersal. She visits the ruins of her old family home deep in the woods. She speculates that the Gaugins may have hidden there to escape the expulsion of the Acadians centuries before, but without proof. Her first interview is with a widower and painter, the husband of a woman who reported the 1991 raid on the Gaugin homestead. By coincidence, the couple was close to Em's sister after becoming too old for placement in another foster home. She had been placed in several foster homes but never adopted. They guided the older teenager with affection and understanding and cared for her despite some bad choices she made.
As a result of this interview, Emma meets her sister, Heather, who is married with children and goes by her husband's last name. Despite a harder upbringing, Heather seems to be better adjusted and has put the past behind her. Em has read in the archives a gossipy old diary where the writer suggests in the 1800s a Gaugin may have married his sister. This sends Emma into more anxiety attacks and a state of anger. Heather urges Em not to dwell on the past. Heather invites Em to a dinner party where she will meet her biological mother. The artist who put the sisters in touch will also be there and Heather's husband and children. True to form, Emma, blurts out a comment offensive to everyone. Heather has long reconciled with their mother, but it is not in Emma's nature to do so. She has also been secretive and offended a man who seems to love her despite her flaws.
Her research finished, she heads back to her Alberta home after learning a lot about herself and forgiveness. She has become a better person and plans to defend her thesis and return to Nova Scotia to revisit new friends and old family. This was a well-written, compelling and painful psychological drama of poverty, family separation and hardships, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
February 2, 2022
If you are from the Maritimes, particularly Nova Scotia— the name GOLER, connotes deep poverty, child abuse and neglect, and inter generational incest. The Golers were a group of related families living in the South Mountain behind Wolfville, with their exploits ‘ discovered’ only after one of the younger teens sought help. It was rumoured that siblings married each other— none of the stories were charming and instead a sad commentary of what children living in one of the richest country’s in the world, hadto experience.
And now there is this book, ostensibly a factionalized account of one of the younger children being adopted, moving to Alberta, and seeking out her roots under the guise of graduate research. The names are somewhat changed as is the geography of where the real GOLER families lived, but the similarities are exact. As is the reception the graduate researcher receives when she goes back to Nova Scotia, meeting both her sister and her mother.
I worked in child welfare. Nothing in the book surprised me including the mother who willingly gave up her younger children as well as the ambivalence described when they all meet up. These reunions are not Hallmark movies and instead are fraught with trauma numbed into day to day functioning.
The Goler story is awful. Wretched. Stomach turning despair. This book humanize the awfulness, somewhat. None of it makes you feel good.
And now there is this book, ostensibly a factionalized account of one of the younger children being adopted, moving to Alberta, and seeking out her roots under the guise of graduate research. The names are somewhat changed as is the geography of where the real GOLER families lived, but the similarities are exact. As is the reception the graduate researcher receives when she goes back to Nova Scotia, meeting both her sister and her mother.
I worked in child welfare. Nothing in the book surprised me including the mother who willingly gave up her younger children as well as the ambivalence described when they all meet up. These reunions are not Hallmark movies and instead are fraught with trauma numbed into day to day functioning.
The Goler story is awful. Wretched. Stomach turning despair. This book humanize the awfulness, somewhat. None of it makes you feel good.
September 1, 2021
An intelligently written story, engrossing, with just the right amount of discomfort and challenge to look outside of one's preconceived notions. With characters who feel stark and real, One Who Has Been Here Before reminds the reader we are not defined by our past or our families' past, but by who we choose to be despite of and in recognition of what has come before.
I particularly loved Babcock's efforts to recognize the humanity in people who it would be easy to dismiss as only one 'evil' thing. Thoroughly enjoyed this read!
I particularly loved Babcock's efforts to recognize the humanity in people who it would be easy to dismiss as only one 'evil' thing. Thoroughly enjoyed this read!
January 19, 2022
I was excited to read this book as it was written by a local author and about Nova Scotian history.
I love readying historical fiction novels.
There were parts that were intriguing and kept my attention and interest.
Overall I felt I was waiting for something more to happen in the book when in the end it was rather anti-climatic.
It did give valuable insight to those who have been through emotional trauma and the foster care system but overall it didn’t excited me.
But well written and impressive for someone’s first novel.
I love readying historical fiction novels.
There were parts that were intriguing and kept my attention and interest.
Overall I felt I was waiting for something more to happen in the book when in the end it was rather anti-climatic.
It did give valuable insight to those who have been through emotional trauma and the foster care system but overall it didn’t excited me.
But well written and impressive for someone’s first novel.
December 19, 2021
I enjoyed Becca Babcock's debut novel. It was easy to read and I learned a bit about history as well. I felt like I was there with the main character, Emma Weaver, because the author's descriptive writing was great. I would recommend this novel.
February 7, 2021
As a history lover and a haunter of many of our local archives, including the one in Lunenburg, I enjoyed the historical aspects of this book.
April 15, 2022
Intrigued by the challenge to better understand the long term consequences of the Goler clan’s notorious demise, pruriently reported in the media at the time—the true story of an extended farming family living off-grid in Nova Scotia as if still in the 19th century when, late in the 20th century several adults are found guilty of criminal activity including sexual abuse and failing to adequately provide for their offspring—this thought provoking, perceptive, knowledgeable novel, weaves the eventually tightly entwined story-lines of two quite dissimilar young Gaugin sisters summarily farmed out to foster care circa 1991.
Emma and Heather are initially fostered together, with the Weavers in Lunenburg. Emma is the more sensitive child, predisposed to acquiesce, to make the most of difficult circum-stances. Heather can’t accept there is no family to return to, becomes violent when Emma fails to support her. Her behaviour precipitates the presence of a white social services van in the driveway, signalling another loss to Emma, and an unforgettable object lesson. Heather—the elder sibling—is troubled years later remembering her misplaced anger. Emma was after all, just a frightened little girl, and there wasn’t in fact any family to return to, sixteen or so of them having been jailed.
The Weavers move to Edmonton where Emma eventually finds herself committed to a Master’s program at the local university. Researching her thesis—an historical auto-ethnography—drives her back to Nova Scotia.
Prematurely dropped into a void she is much too young to understanding, Emma’s naïve conclusions leave her assuming a stigmata she must hide, her proclivity to socialize significantly compromised. Unlike Heather who reacts aggressively when taunted about her past, Emma becomes compulsively aware of the need to be “good.” When the white van appears again in the driveway, she assumes social services have come to take her away from the Weavers, the only family she has really ever known, whom she has come to trust and love; she wonders if she hasn’t been good enough. Deep down she harbours the fear her behaviour contributed to the Gaugins breakup.
This is an inspiring story of survival, despite the odds. The final pages close the circle; pre-sent, past, and future by-and-large reconciled. Babcock’s characters are well formed, their interplay palpable. The narration is fluid: lots of tension—having whet the reader’s anticipation, consummation is often delayed—seamless transitions at other times take the casual reader by surprise. This work will for many, merit more than a single reading.
Emma and Heather are initially fostered together, with the Weavers in Lunenburg. Emma is the more sensitive child, predisposed to acquiesce, to make the most of difficult circum-stances. Heather can’t accept there is no family to return to, becomes violent when Emma fails to support her. Her behaviour precipitates the presence of a white social services van in the driveway, signalling another loss to Emma, and an unforgettable object lesson. Heather—the elder sibling—is troubled years later remembering her misplaced anger. Emma was after all, just a frightened little girl, and there wasn’t in fact any family to return to, sixteen or so of them having been jailed.
The Weavers move to Edmonton where Emma eventually finds herself committed to a Master’s program at the local university. Researching her thesis—an historical auto-ethnography—drives her back to Nova Scotia.
Prematurely dropped into a void she is much too young to understanding, Emma’s naïve conclusions leave her assuming a stigmata she must hide, her proclivity to socialize significantly compromised. Unlike Heather who reacts aggressively when taunted about her past, Emma becomes compulsively aware of the need to be “good.” When the white van appears again in the driveway, she assumes social services have come to take her away from the Weavers, the only family she has really ever known, whom she has come to trust and love; she wonders if she hasn’t been good enough. Deep down she harbours the fear her behaviour contributed to the Gaugins breakup.
This is an inspiring story of survival, despite the odds. The final pages close the circle; pre-sent, past, and future by-and-large reconciled. Babcock’s characters are well formed, their interplay palpable. The narration is fluid: lots of tension—having whet the reader’s anticipation, consummation is often delayed—seamless transitions at other times take the casual reader by surprise. This work will for many, merit more than a single reading.
July 18, 2022
This book is not gothic. That being said, it was a well written and thought provoking story of how our childhood affects us and how we define who and what we are. Emma, the main character, is not an especially likable person at the beginning of the book, using foul language and smart ass remarks to keep the world at bay. But as she returns to Nova Scotia to discover her past and the family she belonged to as a child, she becomes much more vulnerable, but at the same time, stronger.
While the book is based on the Golan family, which sound absolutely horrible, the book softens them into the Gaugin family and removes much of the violence and immorality of the real family. You can imaging the Gaugins are people who simply were distracted from society by the struggle to survive.
One of the things I did like about the book is that there was not neat and happy ending. Though Emma's character development brings her to be a person who is happier and more relaxed in her identity, the book doesn't pretend that her life was all sunshine and roses after that. Interestingly, it implies that her adopted parents would be more of a drag on her than her biological mother and sister, as their over protectiveness kept Emma from facing her fears. It was her sister and mother, who had gone through the same experience and survived, that show Emma the way forward.
The other thing I really enjoyed was the fact it was the women, Emma, her sister Heather, and her mom Helen, who were the strong ones who fought and survived everything. And eventually reconnected.
While the book is based on the Golan family, which sound absolutely horrible, the book softens them into the Gaugin family and removes much of the violence and immorality of the real family. You can imaging the Gaugins are people who simply were distracted from society by the struggle to survive.
One of the things I did like about the book is that there was not neat and happy ending. Though Emma's character development brings her to be a person who is happier and more relaxed in her identity, the book doesn't pretend that her life was all sunshine and roses after that. Interestingly, it implies that her adopted parents would be more of a drag on her than her biological mother and sister, as their over protectiveness kept Emma from facing her fears. It was her sister and mother, who had gone through the same experience and survived, that show Emma the way forward.
The other thing I really enjoyed was the fact it was the women, Emma, her sister Heather, and her mom Helen, who were the strong ones who fought and survived everything. And eventually reconnected.
April 30, 2021
I received One Who Has Been Here Before as part of a NetGalley giveaway.
Emma Weaver is returning to her childhood home in Nova Scotia to study the infamous, extended Gaugin family as part of her master's thesis. Long the subjects of disdain and suspicion, the mysterious family scattered to the four winds decades earlier when the children were removed from the family "compound" for neglect. However, she has reasons other than mere historical inquiry--she herself is a Gaugin,dopted as a young child but curious about the past whose effects she feels even today. As she pieces together her fragmented memories and makes contact with those whose memories are clearer. Emma begins to come to terms with her own history and move forward.
This was a lovely, bittersweet story, about the making and breaking of families, and the effects of trauma on children decades after the fact. It's not full of major twists and turns, just a woman uncovering her past. The characters are beautifully drawn and the intimacy of Nova Scotian life is vibrant and moving. Would highly recommend.
Emma Weaver is returning to her childhood home in Nova Scotia to study the infamous, extended Gaugin family as part of her master's thesis. Long the subjects of disdain and suspicion, the mysterious family scattered to the four winds decades earlier when the children were removed from the family "compound" for neglect. However, she has reasons other than mere historical inquiry--she herself is a Gaugin,dopted as a young child but curious about the past whose effects she feels even today. As she pieces together her fragmented memories and makes contact with those whose memories are clearer. Emma begins to come to terms with her own history and move forward.
This was a lovely, bittersweet story, about the making and breaking of families, and the effects of trauma on children decades after the fact. It's not full of major twists and turns, just a woman uncovering her past. The characters are beautifully drawn and the intimacy of Nova Scotian life is vibrant and moving. Would highly recommend.
September 30, 2022
Whether you are from the Canadian Maritimes, looking for some local color while visiting or just want an intelligent spine-tingling read -- pick this book up! The author draws on local lore to retell a tragic story through an unexpected and compelling perspective. Each chapter peels back the onion on mounting emotional tension and narrative complexity until the end leaves the reader with a ghostly, unsettled yet thoughtful regard on the tale. Don't miss it.
June 4, 2021
Once you pick up this book, it is hard to put down. Through the eyes of a relatable character you see an infamous family’s history in a different light - one that is inquisitive, innocent and empathetic.
October 20, 2021
I feel the author did a fair job of highlighting some of the story behind the Goler tragedy. I recognize that this is a book of fiction- but it so closely follows SOME of the experiences of the Goler family tragedy it is hard to ignore. There are many people in the Goler family that suffered during their time with the family (not highlighted in this story) and have suffered since. Today the name Goler STILL evokes a strong reaction in the Annapolis Valley.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goler_c...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goler_c...
November 24, 2021
How long will this author beat this same cash cow. Leave them alone, the children of the real family on South Mountain, the first book she wrote…now …Mentioning the real family while selling “fiction” is abhorrent.
December 19, 2021
A re-imagining of the history of the Goler clan from South Mountain, Nova Scotia and what it is to inherit a checkered past and separate truth from lore. A very good first novel by Becca Babcock. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews