I found this to be one of the most fascinating books that I’ve read in a long time.  A book that flows nicely, The Shipping News provides complex underlying themes by introducing small exerpts from the 1944 Ashley Book of Knots at the beginning of each chapter.  As I entered into the final chapters, these reflections truly became relevant and contributed greatly to the success of the book.  Set in the rich, always-changing, land/seascape of Newfoundland, I felt that in a very honest way, I finally had some inkling of what life has been for Newfoundlanders.  Issues of overfishing, development, weather, economic struggle and family life were pieces of thread, knotted together into a very satisfying narrative.  A VERY ‘magical’ read!

I want to see this movie!