From the Bookshelf of Tyler Public Library…

[close] Duffy's thought-provoking historical novel follows Angus MacGrath from his native Nova Scotia to the trench warfare of WWI France. Promised a safe job as a cartographer, Angus enlists hoping to discover what has become of his charming, but reckless brother-in-law Ebbin who is missing-in-action. Close boyhood friends, Angus is determined to find Ebbin and also ease his wife's worry over her brother's unknown fate.

This book is one of a multitude of WWI-themed books hitting the shelf this year, in advance of the 100th anniversary in 2014 of the start of “The War to End All Wars.” This novel covers a lot of territory, exploring the prejudice against German Canadians, returning shell-shocked war veterans, as well as the fresh horror of chemical weapons use.

Duffy honors the soldiers who gave their lives in this eloquent and touching rendering of the sacrifices made by so many. These are characters for which the reader will care deeply. Highly recommended.

" ...Cartography was probably what he was best at -- a map of the physical world that in its black and white precision, denied reality."